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New Zealand's High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Brian Donnelly, has resigned due to ill health seven months after his controversial appointment.
At the time, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters admitted he shoulder tapped his fellow New Zealand First MP for the post.
"It is with considerable regret that I have accepted Brian Donnelly's resignation," Mr Peters said today.
"Brian has told me that he feels his medical condition is preventing him from carrying out duties...to his fullest ability, and I respect that decision.
"I wish Brian all the very best as he seeks treatment for his illness."
He did not disclose the nature of Mr Donnelly's illness.
Mr Peters said since becoming High Commissioner in February, Mr Donnelly had been an effective and energetic representative of New Zealand in the Cook Islands.
"His longstanding connection with the Cooks gave Brian a special insight into the uniqueness of the relationship between our two countries, and the importance of maintaining the exceptional strength of those ties," Mr Peters said.
An Acting High Commissioner will be appointed until a replacement for Mr Donnelly is named.
- NZPA
