New Zealand's next High Commissioner to the Cook Islands says he isn't expecting the job to be too difficult, but he's not expecting a holiday, either.
Brian Donnelly has just resigned as a Member of Parliament for the minority NZ First party and has extensive experience in the Cook Islands.
He worked there in the late 1970s; represented the islands in rugby, and has two adopted Cook Islands children.
Mr Donnelly says he already has strong relationships with many people in the Cook Islands.
"I want to ensure that we maintain the very positive relationships that exist between the two countries. I'd like to see trade enhanced, I'd like certainly to ensure that New Zealand plays its part in maintaining the economic development of the Cooks, which has been quite spectacular over the last ten years."
Brian Donnelly takes up his appointment in late February, replacing John Bryan, who has retired.
