Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

08/14/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/14/2026 00:13

Change of British High Commissioner to New Zealand

Ms Louise Cantillon has been appointed British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor of the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands in succession to Ms Iona Thomas OBE, who has transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Cantillon will take up her appointment during August 2026.

Full name: Louise Marie Cantillon

2021 to 2026 Sydney, British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia and New Zealand)
2020 to 2021 Shanghai, Minister Counsellor Creative Consumer and Education, British Consulate
2018 to 2020 Shanghai, Head of Infrastructure and Creative Industries, British Consulate
2011 to 2018 British Council, Head of PMO and Senior Asset Manager Asia
2008 to 2011 Gleeds UK, Construction Project Manager
2004 to 2011 Polartech Ltd, Chief Representative Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing
2002 to 2004 Manchester Chamber of Commerce, China Trade Manager
1998 to 2002 Beijing, Commercial Officer, British Embassy
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