NZ First MP gets Cook Islands diplomatic post

Brian Donnelly. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The worst kept secret in Wellington has been confirmed... New Zealand First MP Brian Donnelly will be the next High Commissioner to the Cook Islands.

Foreign Minister and New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters said Mr Donnelly will take up the post at the end of the month replacing John Bryan.

Mr Peters statement was silent on who would replace Mr Donnelly as an MP in Parliament.

There has been widespread speculation that two NZ First candidates next on the party list will make way for the party president and former MP Dail Jones.

Mr Donnelly has experience in the Cook Islands.

He worked there in the late 1970s, represented the islands in rugby, and has two adopted Cook Islands children.

- NZPA