The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is responsible for protecting and promoting New Zealand’s interests overseas. In tandem with its network of overseas posts, the Ministry works mainly with foreign governments on political, security, trade, travel and other issues affecting the wellbeing of New Zealanders. To be effective overseas, the Ministry needs good links with sector groups and other New Zealand organisations with foreign and trade policy interests. The Auckland Office helps the Ministry to develop stronger and better connections in the nation’s biggest city and commercial capital.
The Ministry opens doors to foreign trade by overcoming or reducing trade access barriers. It negotiates and protects access rules for New Zealand goods and services in overseas markets, analyses economic and political conditions and represents New Zealand interests.
Having helped to open the doors, the Ministry works closely with other agencies and organisations that help New Zealand go through them. For example, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise provides expertise, contacts and support to assist exporters expand their operations overseas
The Ministry’s Auckland Office deals with organisations in the city that have an interest in foreign and trade policies. It supplements and supports their interaction with the Ministry on foreign and trade policy developments which affect them.
This might include providing advice, making connections, or arranging specialised briefings with visiting New Zealand ambassadors, trade negotiators and foreign delegations.
As well as responding to information requests, the Auckland Office looks for opportunities to raise awareness of the government’s foreign and trade policy priorities. It does this by maintaining links with a range of key sectors.
The Office works with a range of Auckland interests, including:
In my view, the Director of the Auckland Office is one of the Ministry’s, most interesting positions.
Since the position was established in early 2005, it has underpinned MFAT’s efforts to meet and work with those in the Auckland scene who take a close interest in aspects of foreign and trade policy. These links and the feedback received through the office assist the Ministry to appreciate the concerns and aspirations of people at the sharp end of government policy decisions.
Cooperation with Auckland organisations has been central to most of the overseas positions I have held in my career – initially with the Department of Trade and Industry and then with the Ministry since 1989. My trade background included serving as a Trade Commissioner in Singapore, and Fiji, and as the Consul General in Adelaide.
During my assignment in Auckland, I also expect to draw on the experience gained as Deputy Chief of Mission in Malaysia and China, as Ambassador to Iran, and High Commissioner to Tonga.
I also have an appreciation of the challenges facing SME exporters, having been involved in a family enterprise over the past decade or so.
I welcome contact – either directly, or in association with other units of the Ministry – with Auckland organisations seeking dialogue with government on foreign and trade policy issues and concerns.
– Warwick Hawker, Director
MFAT Auckland Office
Level 6,
139 Quay Street,
Auckland.
or
P O Box 2364,
Shortland Street,
Auckland.
Email: akl@mft.govt.nz
Phone: +64 9 354 9234
