Connections: Hawke's Bay

Alice King

Current location: Wellington
Telephone: 04 439 8337
Mobile: 027 469 3406
Email: alice.king@mfat.govt.nz

I had the good fortune of growing up in Hawke's Bay and most of my family is still based there.  In 2003, I did an exchange year in France with Rotary.  On my return, I moved to Wellington to attend Victoria University of Wellington where I completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Arts in French and International Relations.

I joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in early 2009 after completing my studies.  I currently work in the Legal Division, primarily providing advice on human rights and immigration-related issues.  The team I work in covers a variety of general international law issues so my job is varied and interesting.

I return to Hawke's Bay on a regular basis to visit family and friends and enjoy the weather.  My strong connections to Hawke's Bay mean that I have a personal interest in seeing the region grow and prosper.  I believe international connections will be an important part of Hawke's Bay’s future growth.

As Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade contact for Hawke's Bay I will:

• Be a contact point within MFAT for Hawke's Bay residents with international interests, whether business, services, arts or other areas;
• Provide relevant information, both to and from the Ministry, on topics that I know to be of interest to my contacts in Hawke's Bay;
• Maintain an interest in Hawke's Bay throughout my career and bear in mind its interests while I am posted abroad; and
• Visit Hawke's Bay at least once every year while I am based onshore, before leaving to go on posting, and during leave to New Zealand while based offshore.