NZ's Ambassador to US Tim Groser will not seek extension to term of appointment

Former National government trade minister Tim Groser has decided himself to end his term as Ambassador to the US, the Government says. Photo / File

New Zealand's Ambassador to the United States Tim Groser himself asked to leave the position at the end of his three-year term, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has confirmed.

"Any suggestion he has been recalled by the minister or ministry is baseless," Peters said in a statement.

"The New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, Hon Tim Groser, is leaving his position later this year at the expiry of his three-year term.

"He was appointed by the previous government and his contract was only ever for three years.

"Mr Groser himself asked to finish at the conclusion of his three-year term and did not seek any extension."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the process to appoint a successor was under way and an announcement would be made in due course, as with all New Zealand heads of mission appointments.

The three-year posting can be extended, and previous ambassadors have done so.