FORMER Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal, Ishmael Avui is the new High Commissioner to New Zealand.
He was officially commissioned in Cabinet Chamber, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet yesterday afternoon before Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
PM Manele said that the foremost duty of His Excellency Mr. Avui is to represent and advance the interests of the Government and people of Solomon Islands in New Zealand.
He affirmed the government’s confidence Avui’s leadership and ability to provide sound counsel on all matters relating to the political, economic, social, and cultural relations between the two nations.
High Commissioner Avui expressed his unwavering commitment to serving the Government and people of Solomon Islands.
He reiterated his dedication to strengthening bilateral relations with New Zealand and to leveraging opportunities that will contribute to the development and prosperity of Solomon Islands.
His Excellency Avui, Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), served with distinction as the Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal from 2014 to April 2024. Over the course of his parliamentary career, he was entrusted with several ministerial portfolios, including Minister for Lands, Housing and Survey; Minister for Home Affairs, National Unity and Peace; and Minister of Justice, reflecting the breadth of his expertise and commitment to public service.
Prior to his tenure in elected office, His Excellency Avui held a number of senior positions within the public administration, notably serving as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, Deputy Clerk to Parliament, and Deputy Government Archivist at the National Archives.
He is academically accomplished, holding a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Monash University, Australia, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Economic and Social Studies from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
His Excellency Mr. Ishmael Avui succeeds former High Commissioner William Tangirongo, who completed his term of service.
– OPMC
