"If you look back on the last time we were on the council in '93, '94 we did make a difference. We fought hard on getting some action on the Rwandan genocide.
"We lead on Somalia, we took specific action in relation to a border dispute involving Yemem and Saudi Arabia.
"Today - 20-plus years later, people still remember New Zealand's term in the council in the 1990's."
Mr McLay said it was important that New Zealand maintained its independence while holding the seat.
"What we said is we're a country that is innovative, we are bridge-builders we're known as problem solvers, rather than people who create problems.
"We are regarded as independent and there is a strong expectation that we will bring that to the table."
The fact New Zealand did not bring any of its own problems to the table was also seen as a bonus, Mr McLay said.
"Without wishing to sound a bit pompus, we have a reputation for integrity. If we say that we are going to do something. We do it."
New Zealand's Jim McLay reacts after NZ was elected. Photo / AFP
Mr McLay said he was not concerned about voting against New Zealand's major trading partners, as it had done so in the past while still maintaining strong bilateral relationships.
The country also had the benefit of not being part of any major international political-bloc or alliance, he said.
"The challenge that gives to us is that we have to make our own decision on each and every issue - we can't fall back on the views of the bloc of which we are a part.
"That's going to be a challenge. It's going to mean more work on our part, but New Zealand's independent foreign policy is something that we value, we are proud of and we will maintain."
