NZ Ambassador to China and Ambassador-designate to Mongolia. Previously Head of Mission in Indonesia, Singapore, Tonga & East Timor. RT not endorsements.
Wellington City, New Zealand
Joined June 2016
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Easier entry to NZ for Chinese tourists continues: as an alternative to travel with a NZ visa, Chinese tourists can continue to travel to New Zealand via Australia with a valid Australian visa + NZeTA. A one year trial ends on 3 November but will continue while it is reviewed.
Overseas voting for the NZ General Election opened today so I took the opportunity to cast my vote in the Embassy in Beijing. Democracy is great!
Overseas voting for the 🇳🇿 General Election opens tomorrow (21 Oct) and closes 5 Nov. Vote at any NZ post in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Hong Kong. More info here: mfat.govt.nz/en/media-and-re…
Record visitors from China expected over summer as airline capacity grows rnz.co.nz/news/chinese-engli…
Jonathan Austin retweeted
North Korea’s launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile yesterday, its fourth ballistic missile launch in the past month, violates UN Security Council resolutions and heightens regional tensions. New Zealand condemns this illegal action and urges Pyongyang to immediately cease all missile tests and return to dialogue.
Jonathan Austin retweeted
Last night I spoke with Premier Li Qiang.
China is our largest trading partner at over $44 billion a year, and we talked about how we keep that momentum going.
Trade grows our economy, creates jobs and lifts incomes. That's why relationships like this one matter.
Checked out the NZ stand at the Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) exhibition in Ningxia, itself the home to some of China's finest wines. China is OIV's newest member and this is the 1st OIV Congress in Asia. NZer John Barker is OIV's Director-General. @FoleyWines
Next year will be 100 years since NZer Rewi Alley first arrived in China. The Gung Ho cooperatives movement and "Bailie schools" are among his legacy. I was pleased to visit Beijing Bailie University, including meeting Gung Ho Chairman Michael Crook.
Mongolia’s sheep shearing sector is making its mark internationally. From internships in NZ to competing at the Golden Shears in Masterton,🇲🇳shearers are gaining skills & confidence. Pleased NZ Embassy support helped make this possible — partnerships that lift both countries.
Great to welcome Minister Simon Watts to Beijing for the APEC Energy Ministers’ Meeting. He also met NEA Admin Wang Hongzhi, Ecology and Environment Minister Huang Runqiu, construction sector reps and visited Xiaomi. New Zealand is pleased to support China’s APEC host year.
Jonathan Austin retweeted
China has one of the largest gaming markets globally and continues to grow. However, success in this dynamic market requires navigating a comprehensive regulatory landscape.
Our latest market report provides a step-by-step outline of the process to seek approval for mobile games in China ➡️ mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-m…
ALT September 2026 | China's Gaming Market: Scale, Growth and a Distinct Regulatory Environment | Market Intelligence Report
Jonathan Austin retweeted
Extending sincere condolences on the passing of the first Hong Kong Chief Executive, Tung Chee-hwa.
We had the privilege of meeting Mr Tung in July 1997, when Hong Kong was returned to China. As Treasurer of New Zealand, we were honoured to meet Mr Tung for his first foreign engagement in his role as Chief Executive.
As the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Tung will be remembered for his leadership during an important period in Hong Kong’s history.
He will also be remembered for deepening cooperation between New Zealand and Hong Kong during his tenure.
Deepest sympathies to Mr Tung’s family and to the people of Hong Kong.
-WP
NZ exporters are looking beyond the usual Tier 1 cities in China. This week we have launched in Qingdao and Weihai a NZ promotion with local Shandong supermarket Jiajiayue, who have long championed NZ products across their 1000 stores. Good to see the logistics behind it all too.
Pleased to join @ShandongU President Li Shucai in Weihai to launch the new Intl Business School with @waikato. 360 undergrads and 30 PhD students each year will study in the joint programme, one of 90 programmes now being delivered in China by NZ institutions. @educationnz
Zhao Jin gold is investing alongside a NZ company in partnership with @WetaWorkshop to launch New Z Gold, a Auckland-based global gold brand. Good to visit their home town of Zhaoyuan. The most gold I've ever handled (sadly the 25kg bar had to stay behind 😀).
1st time in Weifang (DYK 70% of the world's kites are made here) to see Weichai Power, whose Lovol ag machinery is now sold in NZ. Factory automation and robotics was mind blowing. To the relief of many I wasn't allowed to actually drive the biggest tractor I have ever seen. – at North Korea
Climate cooperation is an important part of the NZ–China relationship. We were pleased to welcome Minister Huang to NZ for the annual Climate Change Dialogue and look forward to continuing our shared efforts to address climate change 🌳🍃🤝
Jonathan Austin retweeted
#NZ fruit on show at #China #Fruit Expo in #Shanghai! Fruit distributors & retailers are optimistic about the market, though some categories are seeing price pressures. NZ apples especially well-placed, liked for their variety & taste. And lots of packaging innovation in 🥝&🍎
Jonathan Austin retweeted
The images coming out of Nepal and China following the flash flooding are heartbreaking. My deep condolences to those affected and to impacted communities. New Zealand is in touch with Nepal authorities about New Zealanders who may have been affected.
New Zealanders in the affected areas should let their family and friends know that they are safe when they can, and if they need urgent assistance they can call the 24/7 consular emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.
Here in Beijing we reconfirm New Zealand's strong support as Ukraine continues to fight for sovereignty and democracy #StandWithUkraine @MFATinAuckland @NZinWarsaw @MFA_Ukraine – at North Korea
