Rodney Walshe, Honorary Consul General to New Zealand, retires

The Embassy of Ireland would like to express our deep appreciation to Rodney Walshe for his years of tireless service for Ireland in New Zealand, and to wish him well on his retirement.

Rodney was first appointed to the post of Honorary Consul in 1976, and has served our country in New Zealand for almost 40 years.

During that time Rodney has become the most recognised and respected Irish citizen in New Zealand. He has worked hard to revitalise the Irish community, travelling the length and breadth of New Zealand and meeting with the Irish 'wherever green is worn'.

it is due in no small part to him that today there is a strong and well connected Irish community throughout the country, with societies in Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Kapiti Coast, Taranaki, Manuwatu, Hamilton and Auckland.

It was in recognition of Rodney's tireless work over so many years that he was awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award by President Higgins in November 2013 for his services to the Irish community in New Zealand.

Rodney's successor will be announced shortly, but in the meantime we take this opportunity to convey best wishes to Rodney for his retirement.