Sir Jerry to London

Stuff reports:

Former Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae has been appointed the next High Commissioner to the UK.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced the appointment of the lieutenant on Friday. 

Mateparae will replace former cabinet minister Sir Lockwood Smith, who has been in the role since 2013.

McCully said the appointment “underlines” the significance of New Zealand’s relationship with the UK. 

The worst kept secret in Wellington.

It is a sort of role reversal. Sir Jerry goes from representing the Queen in NZ, to representing NZ to the Queen!