Senior diplomat Chris Seed has been appointed as New Zealand’s next ambassador to the United States, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
Seed’s appointment comes at a crucial time for diplomatic relations between New Zealand and the US, New Zealand’s second biggest trading partner.
He would step into the role in January 2026.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration levelled a surprise 15% tariff on New Zealand.
Just a day prior, the FBI opened its new office in Wellington to “strengthen and enhance” its cooperation with a “key Five Eyes partner in the southwestern Pacific region”. Director Kash Patel also said the new office would be working to counter China’s influence in the Pacific.
Seed was currently filling in as acting High Commissioner to the UK, stepping into the role after Phil Goff was sacked after he made comments about US President Donald Trump. He has previously served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade from 2019 to 2024, as well as leading New Zealand High Commissions in Canberra and Port Moresby.
Hamish Cooper would take up the role of High Commissioner to the UK in September.
Peters today described New Zealand’s strategic partnership with the United States as, “one of our most important and long-standing relationships”.
He said it was “essential” that New Zealand’s ambassador to the US was experienced and had the “judgement and influence to effectively represent our country in Washington DC and navigate the range of important and pressing issues that are vital to New Zealanders”.
“Mr Seed is one of New Zealand’s most senior and accomplished diplomats and is, accordingly, the right person for this vital role.”
Seed would be replacing Rosemary Banks, who would be completing her second term as ambassador by the time Seed arrives in Washington DC.
“Ms Banks has had a most distinguished diplomatic career, having led New Zealand missions in Paris, New York and Washington,” Peters said.
“Twice Ms Banks has been asked by her Government to serve in Washington DC and we are enormously grateful to her that twice she answered that call to serve with distinction as New Zealand Ambassador to the United States.
“Ms Banks’ long diplomatic experience and her elevated standing amongst her US counterparts, during such a challenging time in global affairs, has seen her contribute greatly to one of New Zealand’s most critical bilateral relationships.”
