KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's next High Commissioner to Tonga will be career diplomat Christine Bogle, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced today.
Ms Bogle has previously served as Ambassador in Madrid and has also been posted to Peru and Rome.
She will take up the appointment in January, replacing Michael McBryde who is returning to Wellington.
Mr Peters said New Zealand's political engagement with Tonga was underpinned by a significant aid partnership that focused on education, good governance, health, community development and the private sector.
"Tonga is experiencing a generational change after the death of its long-reigning King, and the major challenge of reconstruction following the November 2006 riots," he said.
- NZPA
