High Commission of New Zealand, London

{{Short description|Diplomatic mission of New Zealand in the United Kingdom}}

{{For|the legislature of New Zealand|New Zealand House of Representatives|}}

{{Infobox diplomatic mission

| name = High Commission of New Zealand in London
Te Kāinga Māngai Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa i Rānana

| image = New Zealand High Commission, London.jpg

| location = St James's, London

| coordinates = {{coord|51.5077|-0.1318|region:GB_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}

| address = 80 Haymarket, London, {{postcode|SW|1}}

| high_commissioner_commonwealth = Chris Seed (acting)

{{Designation list

| embed = yes

| designation1 = Grade II Listed Building

| designation1_offname = New Zealand House

| designation1_type =

| designation1_criteria =

| designation1_date = 24 November 1995

| delisted1_date =

| designation1_partof =

| designation1_number = {{NHLE|num=1242616|short=yes}}

}}

The High Commission of New Zealand (Māori: Te Kāinga Māngai Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa i Rānana) in London is the diplomatic mission of New Zealand in the United Kingdom.{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263519/LDL_December_2013.pdf |title=The London Diplomatic List |date=14 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131211155353/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/263519/LDL_December_2013.pdf |archive-date=11 December 2013 }} It is housed in a skyscraper known as New Zealand House on Haymarket, London, off Pall Mall. As well as containing the offices of the High Commissioner, the building also hosts the New Zealand consulate in London and the military attaché.

History

The site had been previously occupied by the Carlton Hotel, destroyed by a bomb during the Blitz. The design differed from the other diplomatic buildings of other Commonwealth countries in that it would be a modern skyscraper, designed by Sir Robert Matthew. After difficulties securing a planning consent, the 18 storey building only proceeded after approval was granted by the British Cabinet. The High Commission was built by Holland, Hannen & CubittsCubitts 1810–1975, published 1975 and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1963. It is the only tall building in this part of London. Since 1995, it has been a Grade II listed building.{{NHLE|num=1242616 |access-date=29 May 2015}}

Responsibilities

It is an overseas post of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The position of High Commissioner to the United Kingdom is currently vacant, having previously been served by Phil Goff. New Zealand Passport applications can be processed at New Zealand House.{{cite web|url=https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/united-kingdom/new-zealand-high-commission/london-passport-office/|title=London Passport Office|publisher=New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade|access-date=2 August 2019}} The nearest Tube stations to New Zealand House are Piccadilly Circus and Charing Cross. The Māori cultural group Ngāti Rānana holds regular meetings at the High Commission.{{cite web|url=https://www.nznewsuk.co.uk/living/?id=913&story=Finding-Maori-culture-in-the-heart-of-London|title=Finding Maori culture in the heart of London|publisher=NZ News UK|access-date=2 August 2019}}