Biographical Note

NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF NEW ZEALAND PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

(Based on information provided by the Protocol and Liaison Service.)

The new Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, Jim McLay, today presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. McLay was Executive Chair of Macquarie Group Holdings New Zealand Limited, a subsidiary of the Macquarie Group Australia.  He was also Chair of Goodman (NZ) Ltd., manager of the publicly listed Goodman Property Trust; and Chair of publicly listed MetLifecare Ltd. and Just Water International Ltd.

From 1998 to 2009, he was Convenor/Chair of the Project Manukau Audit Group, which is responsible for the environmental and resource management audit of the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant in Auckland.

Previously Mr. McLay was Honorary New Zealand Chair of the Trans Tasman Business Circle and a New Zealand delegate to the Australian New Zealand Leadership Forum, focused on the development of a single economic market between the two countries, and for several years a member of its New Zealand Steering Committee.

From 1993 to 2003, Mr. McLay was New Zealand Commissioner on the International Whaling Commission, serving three years as Chair of its Finance and Administration Committee, with responsibility for budget and related issues, and a member of its Advisory Committee.

At various times until retiring from politics in 1987, Mr. McLay held the positions of Deputy Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Attorney General and Minister for Justice.  He practised as a barrister before his election as a Member of Parliament in 1975.

Mr. McLay was educated at Kings College, Auckland, and the University of Auckland.

Born in Auckland, on 21 February 1945, he is married and has a son.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record