Dr James Waite  was  appointed as a New Zealand’s next Ambassador to Mongolia.

He is currently the Deputy Head of Mission at the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing, a role he will continue to hold.

“New Zealand and Mongolia share a warm and long-standing bilateral relationship” Nanaia Mahuta said.

There is a small New Zealand community in Mongolia, mainly involved in the mining and agricultural sectors, and working in the NGO sector.

Throughout his 18-year career at the Ministry Dr Waite has had several offshore postings, including at New Zealand Embassies in Washington DC and in Jakarta. He has a PhD in History.

Dr Waite will take up his position, based in Beijing, immediately.