High Commissioner to New Zealand

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Daniel Sloper PSM as Australia’s next High Commissioner to New Zealand.

Australia has no closer partner than New Zealand. It is a relationship built upon shared history, democratic values, a common outlook as Pacific countries, and generations of deep friendship and cooperation.

The trans-Tasman trade and economic relationship is among the most closely integrated in the world, underpinned by our Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement and Single Economic Market.

Mr Sloper is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary, East Asia Division.

His previous roles include First Assistant Secretary of the Pacific Division, where he led work on relations with New Zealand, and Australia’s G20 Special Representative.

He has served overseas as Australia’s Special Representative on Afghanistan (based in Doha), as Deputy Head of Mission in Berlin, and in Tokyo.

I thank outgoing High Commissioner Ms Harinder Sidhu AM for her contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in New Zealand since 2022.