AKWorld was honored to host Daniel Mellsop, Deputy Chief of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, DC this week for a program entitled New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific: Navigating a Changing World.
After a moderated discussion, hosted by Board Chair Samantha Correia, the audience was able to engage in a direct conversation with Daniel.The wide-ranging conversation touched on a variety of topics including New Zealand’s foreign policy and approach to international relationships, the challenges New Zealand sees with globalization and protecting its supply chains, and efforts New Zealand has made to uphold international institutions.
Also discussed were the ties between New Zealand and Alaska, including the recent announcement that New Zealand based rocket company, Rocketlab, would be starting launches from Kodiak in the coming years.
About the Speaker
Daniel Mellsop is the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC. He has been in the position since January 2024.
Prior to taking up this position he was a Distinguished Visitor at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC. Daniel was previously New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Canada and High Commissioner to Jamaica. Daniel has also served in Seoul and The Hague. Prior to taking up his appointment in Ottawa, Daniel was the Head of the International Branch at the Ministry of Defence.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington, Daniel has undertaken a wide range of duties covering political, security and trade affairs. He also did a secondment to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Most recently, he had the position of Principal Adviser for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australia.
Daniel has a Master of Management (Hons) degree and a Bachelor of Arts both from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.
Daniel is accompanied in Washington DC by his wife and two children.
