New Israeli ambassador to New Zealand
Israel is to re-open its embassy in New Zealand following the appointment of Shemi Tzur as the new envoy in Wellington.The Israeli embassy in Canberra has dealt with New Zealand affairs since 2002 when the Wellington embassy was shut down as part of cost-saving measures.
The high-level and sensitive problem of two suspected Mossad agents being imprisoned in New Zealand following an investigation into the illegal procurement of a New Zealand passport, was dealt with by Canberra. Diplomatic relations were at an all-time low between the two countries.
A change of government has seen the two countries resume normal diplomatic relations.
Tzur is a former ambassador to Cyprus, Finland and Estonia and will take up his post next year subject to New Zealand’s approval.
