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Auckland, April 14, 2017
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff has announced that high-ranking diplomat Taha Macpherson will be his new Chief of Staff.
Over the past three years, Mr Macpherson has served as the Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister.
He was previously New Zealand’s Ambassador to Turkey and served at the New Zealand High Commission in London and at the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC.
He has held significant and varied policy roles within the Foreign Affairs Ministry and Trade.
Mr Goff said that he is pleased to confirm Taha Macpherson as his new Chief of Staff.
“I worked with him in my former role as Trade Minister and have huge respect for his abilities. He is a talented advisor who brings a wealth of political and policy experience and expertise as well as strong connections to central Government. I’m proud to welcome Taha to the team,” he said.
Mr Macpherson said that he was looking forward to the new role.
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to head back to my home-city and join the Mayor’s team during a dynamic period for Auckland,” he said.
Mr Macpherson replaces Francesca Mold who is leaving to take up a role as Senior Public Information Officer with the United Nations in South Sudan.
His appointment will be effective from June 5, 2017.
In the interim, Nirupa George, Chief Press Secretary to Auckland Mayor will be the Acting Chief of Staff.
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