New Zealand diplomat
Christopher John Elder
In office 1993–1998Preceded by Michael Powles Succeeded by Peter Adams (diplomat) In office August 29, 2001 – 2006Preceded by Michael Green (diplomat) Succeeded by Phillip Gibson In office 2006 – August 19, 2009 October 12, 2009Preceded by Stuart Prior Succeeded by Ian Hill In office 2006–2009Preceded by Peter Hamilton Succeeded by Peter Hamilton
Born 1947
Chris Elder is a retired diplomat of New Zealand .
Until 1973 Chris Elder was trained as a Chinese linguist.
From 1973 to 1975 he was employed in the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing when it was opened.[ 1]
From 1993 to 1997 he was ambassador in Beijing .
From 2001 to 2006 he was New Zealand's longest-serving ambassador in Jakarta .
From 2006 to August 7, 2009 he was ambassador in the Embassy of New Zealand in Moscow (Russian Federation ).[ 2]
In Wellington, Chris has served as the Deputy Secretary with responsibility for Asian affairs and security policy in the Asia-Pacific region.
From August 7, 2009 to 2012 he was Chargé d'affaires in Berlin .
Despite his expertise in China/New Zealand relations, Chris did not serve again in Beijing.
In 2012 he retired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand) .
He has published a range of papers and articles relating to New Zealand's interaction with China and with Asia.
With Michael Green, he co-authored a historical survey of New Zealand-China relations (New Zealand and China 1792-1972) and with Robert Ayson a Centre for Strategic Studies Discussion Paper, China's Rise and New Zealand's Interests: A Policy Primer for 2030.