Building on close ties!

She told Rural News these centre are around culture and heritage, as well the strong political and bilateral arrangements that have existed for a long time between the two nations.

Connolly says, in a world that is becoming increasing unstable and challenging, it’s important that like-minded countries draw closer together and support each other.

“Ireland and NZ are very much like-minded. I would see one aspect of my role as deepening that relationship and strengthening those political and bilateral arrangements as well,” she says.

Connolly adds that while NZ and Ireland are small countries they have never been afraid to voice their opinions on the world stage. She says both have been longstanding partners on disarmament and speaking out on human rights and the rule of law – especially in relation to trading issues embodied in the WTO.

“The rule of law is very important for us because how we interact in the world is through everyone following the international rules,” Connolly explains.

“I think there is a lot we co-operate on and there is lot more we can co-operate on. We must continue to support each other on those multilateral organisations to keep reminding people of the importance of these and the work they do. Organisations such as the UN and the WTO are the real cornerstones of our foreign policy.”

Connolly says on the PETER BURKE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. agricultural side both nations face many similar challenges. These include agricultural emissions and climate change and there is a lot of joint research going on in these areas. She says there are loads more things that Ireland and NZ can do together and deliver results that are of benefit for the wider world – not just for our two countries.

She believes the recent signing of the EU/ NZ FTA is a significant development in the relationship between the two jurisdictions. Connolly says it’s important that this is ratified as soon as possible.

“Our experience with FTAs in the European Union is that these have been extremely positive because they have enabled us to diversify our trade,” she told Rural News.

“I believe the signing of the FTA will bring NZ and the EU much closer together and also open up other areas of collaboration such as science. It’s a framework for trade but more importantly an overarching thing that will bring us closer together.”

Dream Role

For Jane Connolly one of her first official events since taking over her new role was attending Fieldays late last year.

This is her first ambassadorial post since joining the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 21 years ago. Prior to coming to NZ, she served in posts in Poland, the UK and Australia – where she served as the Consul General.

Before being appointed to NZ, Connolly headed up the DFA’s finance department. She has a Kiwi connection – her husband Dion hails from Mt Maunganui.