News story
Change of British High Commissioner to New Zealand
Ms Louise Cantillon has been appointed British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor of the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands.
Ms Louise Cantillon has been appointed British High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor of the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands in succession to Ms Iona Thomas OBE, who has transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Ms Cantillon will take up her appointment during August 2026.
Curriculum Vitae
Full name: Louise Marie Cantillon
| 2021 to 2026 | Sydney, British Consul General and Deputy Trade Commissioner Asia Pacific (Australia and New Zealand) |
| 2020 to 2021 | Shanghai, Minister Counsellor Creative Consumer and Education, British Consulate |
| 2018 to 2020 | Shanghai, Head of Infrastructure and Creative Industries, British Consulate |
| 2011 to 2018 | British Council, Head of PMO and Senior Asset Manager Asia |
| 2008 to 2011 | Gleeds UK, Construction Project Manager |
| 2004 to 2011 | Polartech Ltd, Chief Representative Shanghai, Suzhou and Beijing |
| 2002 to 2004 | Manchester Chamber of Commerce, China Trade Manager |
| 1998 to 2002 | Beijing, Commercial Officer, British Embassy |
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Updates to this page
Published 14 August 2026