Todd McClay

Todd Michael McClay (born 22 November 1968) is a New Zealander who is a former ambassador for the Cook Islands and Niue to the European Union.

Life and career

The son of Roger McClay, a former New Zealand politician, he was born in Rotorua, New Zealand and was educated at Tauhara College, Taupo, Wesley College, Auckland and Wellington Polytechnic, Wellington. He has also gained a B.Sc in politics and a Masters of International Public Law (LLM).

McClay has 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 former CEO of a company, Political Relationship Management.

McClay has been active in Pacific Islands, European and New Zealand diplomacy and politics since 1992 and is the Cook Islands' first accredited diplomat outside of the Pacific region. He remains the youngest appointed Head of Mission to the European Union.

In 2000 the Cook Islands joined the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific states (ACP) and he was appointed as special representative of the Cook Islands. [ [http://www.acpsec.org/en/coa/ACP_Directory.pdf THE AFRICAN, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC STATES DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS] ] .

In 2002 the Cook Islands government upgraded its representation to the level of diplomatic mission at which time McClay was appointed Ambassador to the EU. [ [http://www.ck/govt2.htm Cook Islands Government - Structure] ] [ [http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/photo/photo_country_en.cfm?id=2086&country=Cook%20Islands Photo of McClay presenting his credentials at the EU] ] He has represented the Cook Islands at many international meetings and conferences including WTO, FAO, ACP, EU and UN. [ [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/oj/2003/c_231/c_23120030926en00090009.pdf Official Journal of the European Union 26/9/2003] ] ,

He now lives with his wife Nadene, and four children in Rotorua.

In 2008, McLay was selected as the National Party candidate to stand in the Rotorua electorate in the 2008 general election in New Zealand. [ [http://www.kiwiblog.co.nz/tag/todd_mcclay Todd McClay | Kiwiblog ] ]

References