New Zealand's new High Commissioner to Tonga, Mr Matthew Howell is expected arrive in Tonga this month to start his new posting.

His appointment was announced last month by New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

Mr. Howell has a background in international development and has had a long career working in the Pacific.

He was most recently the Wellington-based New Zealand High Commissioner to Tuvalu and has previously served at the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption and tsunami, New Zealand provided humanitarian funding to assist relief efforts. Through his appointment Mr Howell will be an extension of this support, working alongside Tonga on their eruption recovery, said the Foreign Minister.

“As we reconnect New Zealand to the world, maintaining our diplomatic relationships is more important than ever. Mr Howell’s wealth of experience in the Pacific will be key to growing our strong relationship with Tonga even further.” 

Meanwhile, Tonga and New Zealand marked 50-years of formal diplomatic relations in 2021.