New Zealand's first counter-terrorism ambassador appointed

Kiwi diplomat Carl Worker (above) with his wife Connie Aldao.

Veteran diplomat Carl Worker has been appointed New Zealand's first counter-terrorism ambassador.

The specialist role was created late last year after New Zealand confirmed plans to send troops to Iraq.

The appointment reflected the importance the Government attached to combatting the Islamic State and other terror groups, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said.

"Appointing a specialist ambassador will enable New Zealand to contribute further to international and regional efforts to counter terrorism and allow us to expand our diplomatic engagement with important international counter-terrorism forums, including the Anti-ISIL Coalition, the Global Terrorism Forum, and the United Nations."

The new ambassador would also be expected to strengthen New Zealand's engagement with partners in the Asia Pacific region, "with a view to increasing New Zealand's counter-terrorism policy co-operation and capacity building in the region".

Mr Worker is one of New Zealand's most experienced diplomats. He is the acting US ambassador and has previously served as ambassador to China, Mongolia, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Late last year the Government confirmed several diplomatic and humanitarian measures to complement its non-combat military presence in Iraq.

An embassy was opened in Baghdad in May, and aid and education programmes have been established for displaced children.