New Zealand House

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New Zealand House, London

New Zealand House is a building located in The Haymarket, London, off Pall Mall. It is the home of the High Commission of New Zealand to the United Kingdom. As well as containing the offices of the High Commissioner, the building also hosts the New Zealand consulate in London and the military attaché.

New Zealand House was built in 1959 on the derelict site of the Carlton Hotel, destroyed by a bomb during the Blitz. New Zealand House was to be the main diplomatic representation for the New Zealand government, and no expense was spared in its construction. The design differed from the other diplomatic buildings of the Commonwealth realms in that it would be a modern skyscraper, designed by Sir Robert Matthew. After difficulties in planning permission, the 18 storey building was constructed only after permission was granted by the British Cabinet. It is the only tall building in this part of London, and remains controversial.

It is an overseas post of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The current High Commissioner to the United Kingdom is the Rt Hon. Jonathan Hunt, who is also New Zealand's ambassador to the Republic of Ireland, and in addition, is accredited to Nigeria. The current Deputy High Commissioner is Bronwen Chang. New Zealand House is staffed by a team of 20 diplomats and local staff. The focus of the High Commission's work is managing New Zealand's political, economic and trade relations with the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.