Mr Harvey served as our High Commissioner to Canada from January 2020 to December 2023, when he retired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  He now lives in Martinborough.

Canada is an important trade partner with New Zealand, including through tourism, while several New Zealand tech and service companies have established offices in Toronto, the tech centre for Canada, where Canada’s tech economy is seeing significant growth.

New Zealand and Canada identify closely with each other; our two nations are linked by a common world view based on our Commonwealth heritage and shared parliamentary, legal, social and defence traditions.  We have common interests, concerns and values. New Zealand Māori and Canadian Indigenous Peoples, particularly from Western Canada, have regular visits and cultural exchanges.

Trade negotiations have been an important aspect of Harvey’s career - as well as taking part in WTO negotiations, his was the Chief Negotiator for New Zealand’s Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN, Malaysia, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and South Korea.  Prior to taking up his appointment in Ottawa, Harvey was Chief Negotiator for New Zealand’s FTA negotiations with the European Union.

His links to Canada began as a student when Harvey was a New Zealand United World College scholar, attending Lester B Pearson College of the Pacific in British Columbia, Canada, from 1976 to 1978.  Subsequently he graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North, with a Bachelor of Business Studies.  He gained a Masters degree from the University of Auckland, before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1984.

During his diplomatic career he has served in a variety of posts, including Canberra, Geneva and as High Commissioner to Singapore.  As well, he has worked in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and with the Institute of Policy Studies in Victoria University of Wellington.

Coffee and tea will be available from 7.00pm. A koha from non- members is appreciated.