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Exclusive: Sir Jerry Mateparae expected to be named as next High Commissioner to London

Author
Barry Soper,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 May 2016, 5:13AM
Sir Jerry Mateparae (Getty Images).
Sir Jerry Mateparae (Getty Images).

Exclusive: Sir Jerry Mateparae expected to be named as next High Commissioner to London

Author
Barry Soper,
Publish Date
Mon, 9 May 2016, 5:13AM

UPDATED: 10.39am The Government is expected to appoint the Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae as our next High Commissioner to London.

Newstalk ZB understands talks have been held with Sir Jerry about the job and he's expressed an interest.

Sir Jerry was a popular choice from across the political spectrum when he was announced as Governor-General back in 2011.

The 61-year-old has expressed an interest in doing something after leaving Government House in August after a five-year term, and John Key said this is an opportunity to take the London role out of the political arena where incumbents have been drawn from in the past.

John Key said a decision hasn't been made on who the new High Commissioner will be - although he's not denying Sir Jerry's got the job.

"The call hasn't been made. He's going to finish as Governor General at the middle of this year and I don't know precisely what he's going to do after that. He is keen to do other things so what he does I don't know but we'll work it out in time."

There was speculation the job would go to current speaker David Carter, but it was reported Winston Peters made it clear to National that if it wanted his support after the next election then they had to count Mr Carter out.

The Foreign Minister also said Mr Peters would be happy with the person they're talking to - the New Zealand First leader would certainly have no objection to Sir Jerry.

The current incumbent, former speaker Sir Lockwood Smith's term finishes in London later this year.

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