Todd McClay

Todd Michael McClay (born 22 November 1968) is a New Zealand politician and former ambassador. He is the Member of Parliament for Rotorua and is also a ranking member of the Cabinet of New Zealand holding the portfolios as Minister of Trade, Minister for State Owned Enterprises, and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 50th New Zealand Parliament. He was previously an ambassador for the Cook Islands and Niue to the European Union.

Early life

McClay was born in Rotorua in 1968. The son of former National MP Roger McClay, he was educated at Tauhara College in Taupo, Wesley College in Auckland and Wellington Polytechnic in Wellington. He has also gained a bachelor's degree in Politics and is to complete a Masters of International Public Law (LLM).

European Union diplomatic career

McClay worked in the European Parliament as Head of Staff to Lord Henry Plumb, President of the European Parliament and Leader of the British Conservatives in the European Parliament. He has also been active in European government affairs and lobbying, and was a founder and CEO of a company, Political Relationship Management. McClay has been active in Pacific Islands, European and New Zealand diplomacy and politics since 1992, and was the Cook Islands' first accredited diplomat outside of the Pacific region. He remains the youngest-ever appointed Head of Mission to the European Union.