Career diplomat next high commissioner to Cooks

Career diplomat John Bryan will be New Zealand's next High Commissioner to Cook Islands, Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff said today.

Mr Bryan takes up the appointment in August, replacing Kurt Meyer.

Mr Bryan is currently director of property and capital management division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He has been New Zealand High Commissioner to Niue, and has also served in Apia in Samoa and Fiji's capital Suva.

Other postings have included Singapore, Bonn, New York and Brisbane.

Mr Goff said New Zealand and the Cook Islands had strong historical ties, common currency and citizenship.

This year was the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Cook Islands constitution.

- NZPA