The High Commissioner from New Zealand to the United Kingdom is New Zealand's foremost diplomatic representative in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and in charge of New Zealand's diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom.
The High Commission is located in London, the United Kingdom's capital city. New Zealand has maintained a resident High Commissioner in the United Kingdom since 1905, and a resident Head of Mission since 1871. The Ambassador to the United Kingdom is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria.
As New Zealand was created as a part of the British Empire, its diplomatic relationship with the United Kingdom is its longest-standing; the position of High Commissioner in London pre-dates New Zealand's dominion status by two years, the Balfour Declaration by 21 years, and the adoption of the Statute of Westminster by 42 years. The next oldest High Commissioner's position (the High Commissioner to Canada) was created only in 1942, and the High Commissioner to Australia in 1943.
As fellow members of the Commonwealth of Nations, diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the United Kingdom are at governmental level, rather than between Heads of State. Thus, the countries exchange High Commissioners, rather than ambassadors.
Contents |
| Name | Monarch | Took Office | Left Office | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr Isaac Earl Featherston | Victoria | 1871 | 1876 |
| 2 | Sir Julius Vogel | 1876 | 1880 | |
| 3 | Sir Francis Dillon Bell | 1880 | 1891 | |
| 4 | Sir Westby Brook Perceval | 1891 | 1895 | |
| 5 | William Pember Reeves | Victoria, Edward VII | 1895 | 1905 |
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