High Commissioner to New Zealand

Today I announcethe appointment of the Hon Patricia Forsythe AM as Australia's next HighCommissioner to New Zealand, who will also have non-resident accreditation tothe Cook Islands and Niue.

Australia'srelationship with New Zealand is the closest and most comprehensive of all ourbilateral relationships, underpinned by enduring cultural, economic, defenceand sporting links.

Wework together to promote security, stability and prosperity in the Pacific.Globally, we stand together to uphold the rules-based international order.

The openness andintegration of the Australian and New Zealand economies benefits both countriesand our region.Australia is New Zealand's second largest exportdestination and largest source of foreign investment. In 2017-18, two‑waymerchandise trade totalled $17.3 billion, while two‑way trade in servicestotalled $11 billion.

Ms Forsythe hasserved as Executive Director of the NSW Business Chamber for the past 12 years.She serves on a number of Boards including Business Events Sydney, Board ofStudies, Teaching and Educational Standards NSW, Destination NSW, Council ofMacquarie University, Port Authority NSW and Cricket NSW.

Ms Forsythe isalso a member of the Advisory Board of the UTS Business School and an HonoraryAssociate of the Graduate School of Government at Sydney University.

Ms Forsythe had adistinguished political career as a member of the New South Wales LegislativeCouncil from 1991 to 2006.

Ms Forsythe holdsa Bachelor of Arts/Diploma of Education from the University of Newcastle.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Ewen McDonald for his contributions toadvancing Australia's interests in New Zealand and look forward to him takingup his new position as head of the Office of the Pacific.