No 'white brorocracy': NZ announces new ambassador to the United States

Tim Groser, outgoing ambassador.
Tim Groser, outgoing ambassador. Photo credit: AAP

New Zealand's new ambassador to the United States is experienced diplomat Rosemary Banks.

Ms Banks replaces Tim Groser, the former National Party Cabinet minister who was appointed ambassador in 2016.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters had made clear his disdain for former MPs moving into diplomatic roles, calling the appointment of former politicians the "white brorocracy".

"As an example of how meritocracy has been abandoned in favour of a mainly white brorocracy, look no further than how some of our high commissioners and ambassadors are being appointed," Mr Peters told an audience at Victoria University in 2016.

Ms Banks has worked as New Zealand's ambassador to France and Portugal, and a representative to the United Nationals.

She is currently a Crown Negotiator in the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process, a member of the Council of the University of Canterbury and a Senior Adjunct Fellow in the Department of Political Science.

"The Government congratulates Rosemary Banks on her appointment. She is a highly experienced diplomat and public servant who will be a consummate professional in representing New Zealand's interests in Washington," Mr Peters said.

"The Government also wishes to acknowledge the departing Ambassador, Hon Tim Groser for his service. He has been a strong advocate for New Zealand and has been successful in cementing the relationship between our two countries."

Newshub.