Following Michael Appleton, the first New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka who significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations,
Following Michael Appleton, the first New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka who significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations, Patrick John Rata has taken up the role as the Acting High Commissioner.
Patrick John Rata is a seasoned diplomat currently serving as New Zealand’s Acting High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. His extensive diplomatic career includes significant roles such as the Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and Italy, with additional responsibilities in nine other countries. He has also been a prominent figure at United Nations agencies in Rome, holding the position of Permanent Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Patrick’s expertise largely revolves around multilateral issues. He has previously worked at the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, focusing on Security Council matters and serving as the Vice Chair of the Third Committee. His experience also extends to Commonwealth affairs, which he covered during his posting in London.
Apart from his diplomatic endeavors, Patrick has a notable background in trade. He spent a decade as a senior official at the World Trade Organization, including a significant role as Chef de Cabinet in the Director-General’s office in 2002.
Educationally, Patrick is an alumnus of Auckland University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree. On the personal front, he is married to Karen Lee Rata, a lawyer working at the World Intellectual Property Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. The couple has two children. Outside of his professional life, Patrick enjoys music and sports.
Rata brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the position and looks forward to further exploring Sri Lanka and continuing to enhance the ties between the two nations.
