Getting to know NZ’s new top diplomat in Cooks

Tessa Te Mata was appointed the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands last year. Te Mata took over the role last month. She is the second female high commissioner in the Cook Islands and woman of Pacific heritage to head a New Zealand diplomatic post in the Pacific. Te Mata, a qualified lawyer, is also of Cook Islands descent. CI News senior journalist Rashneel Kumar talked to Te Mata about her goals, challenges and anticipations in her new role.

Tessa Te Mata was appointed the New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands last year. Te Mata took over the role last month. She is the second female high commissioner in the Cook Islands and woman of Pacific heritage to head a New Zealand diplomatic post in the Pacific. Te Mata, a qualified lawyer, is also of Cook Islands descent. CI News senior journalist Rashneel Kumar talked to Te Mata about her goals, challenges and anticipations in her new role.