France has posthumously decorated New Zealand diplomat Tia Barrett with one of its highest honours, for his work in the Pacific and with France.
Mr Barrett was a highly revered diplomat who served New Zealand for many years was awarded the Knighthood of the Legion of Honour at a ceremony in Wellington this month.
Mr Barrett, who died in 2009, began his career in 1973, holding a variety of positions, including: High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and the Cook Islands; Director of the Maori Policy Unit at the Ministry of Foreign and Trade Affairs; and Chief of Protocol at The Ministry of Foreign and Trade Affairs. He was also stationed in France, New Caledonia, and Tonga.
During his time in France he fostered a close relationship not only with French officials, but also with the country's culture, a bond strengthened by his mastery of the French language. He also spoke Maori, Pidgin English, Spanish, Fijian, and Tongan.
French Ambassador to New Zealand Francis Etienne said Mr Barrett's efforts directly helped foster the close relationship between France and New Zealand. "Which, I believe, has now definitely left behind some contentions of the past."
Mr Barrett's wife Theresa accepted the award on his behalf.
