Andrew Needs is the current High Commissioner of New Zealand to Australia, appointed in April 2024. He brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role, having served in various senior positions within New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). His previous roles have included diplomatic postings in Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, where he built a strong reputation for fostering international cooperation and promoting New Zealand’s interests abroad.
Before his appointment as High Commissioner, Needs had a distinguished career that saw him manage complex foreign policy issues, including trade negotiations, international security, and multilateral diplomacy. His expertise in strengthening New Zealand’s bilateral relationships, particularly with major global partners, has been a defining aspect of his leadership.
In his role as High Commissioner to Australia, Andrew Needs focuses on enhancing the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations, which share strong economic, cultural, and political ties. His leadership aims to foster collaboration across various sectors, from trade and defense to education and the environment, continuing the long-standing friendship between New Zealand and Australia.
Forging strong domestic and international connections Relationships are at the heart of our work at MFAT—we’re the diplomats, negotiators, analysts and advisors working to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.