New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister, Simon Watts, has named Stuart Calman as the country’s Climate Change Ambassador.
“Stuart brings an excellent understanding of opportunities for enhanced cooperation with the Pacific and Southeast Asia,” Watts said.
“A particular focus in 2026 will be supporting Australia in its role as chair of the UN Climate COP31 negotiations, in partnership with the Pacific. Stuart’s expertise will be beneficial in supporting New Zealand’s economic, trade, and climate goals.”
Calman, a senior diplomat, served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to ASEAN in Jakarta from 2022 to 2024.
He studied business, economics, and development at Massey University. His whakapapa includes Ngāti Toa, Raukawa ki te Tonga, and Kāi Tahu.
He has held leadership roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, specialising in energy, climate resilience, and sustainable economic development in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Before joining the Ministry in 2013, Calman held management roles at the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Development, overseeing climate change, energy, and environmental policy.
Calman assumes his new Wellington-based role immediately, succeeding Stuart Horne, who is now New Zealand’s Consul-General in Honolulu.
His appointment began on Monday, 16 February 2026.