Mr John McKinnon, CNZM, for services to New Zealand-China relations
John McKinnon served his second term as Ambassador to China in Beijing from 2015 to 2018, having served his first term from 2001 to 2004. His language proficiency and personal standing in Beijing has helped opened doors for New Zealand, facilitate dialogues and consider policy positions. He was Executive Director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation from 2012 to 2015. During this period, he facilitated the growth of the Foundation’s Young Leadership network. He has been a champion of Chinese language learning in New Zealand and developed the educational resources aspect of the Foundation during his tenure. Mr McKinnon has been Patron of New Zealand Chinese Language Week and was a driving force behind its inception in 2014.