Daniel Mellsop

Daniel Mellsop’s path to diplomacy began unexpectedly, with a dinner in St Petersburg.

As a high school exchange student in Russia, he was invited to meet a New Zealand trade delegation. That evening talking to New Zealand diplomats, sparked a lifelong interest in international affairs.

After completing a Master of Management Studies (now called a Master of Business) in Economics, Daniel joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) graduate intake and began his career in the economic analysis division.

Over the past 25 years, he has held more than a dozen roles within the Ministry, ranging from trade negotiations and counter-terrorism to protocol and defense. 

“No day is ever the same in the foreign service,” Daniel says. “My MFAT career has taken me to remote arctic research stations, tropical islands, war zones, meetings in the White House, and lunches in European palaces. The experiences are incredibly varied, exciting and extraordinary.”

Daniel presents his High Commissioner credentials to Prime Minister Holness in Jamaica.

His career has taken him across the globe. Daniel has served in The Hague, Wellington, Seoul, Ottawa as the High Commissioner to Canada and Jamaica, and now Washington DC, where he is the Deputy Chief of Mission at one of New Zealand’s largest embassies.

In this role, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the Embassy and engagement with the US government.  He coordinates with representatives from various New Zealand government agencies, including defence, trade, immigration, and space.

Daniel doesn’t take the responsibility of his current role lightly.

“It’s a very dynamic time in global affairs, so the opportunity to be here in the United States working for New Zealand at this moment in history, is quite a privilege.”

Daniel has also been involved in emergency responses over the last 25 years, including the aftermath of September 11, the War in Iraq, the Christchurch earthquake, and the operation to evacuate New Zealanders and locals following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021.

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as Chief of Protocol, coordinating the repatriation of foreign nationals stranded in New Zealand following the closure of our border.

Reflecting on his time at the University of Waikato, Daniel credits the diverse academic and social environment for shaping his worldview.

“Studying politics, languages, and economics alongside students from all backgrounds helped me understand how the world works and what is important for New Zealand,” he says. 

He was also an active participant in campus sports and social activities, which added to his university experience.

The highlight of his career has been representing New Zealand on the global stage. “Whether it’s advocating for our country, supporting Kiwi businesses, or helping New Zealanders in difficulty overseas, it’s a privilege to serve my country.”

Daniel remains passionate about security and diplomacy. He has worked closely with the NZ Defence Forces around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan and was recently seconded to the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington DC think tank, where he collaborated with academics and policy experts to working on US policy on the Indo-Pacific.

“Diplomacy is a career and lifestyle that constantly challenges you,” Daniel says. “Even after 25 years, I’m still learning, still growing, and still motivated by the opportunity to make a difference.”

Daniel is a huge supporter of any students considering a future in diplomacy. “It lets you think globally, have incredible career experiences, and serve New Zealand. I would like to see more Waikato graduates pursuing a career at MFAT”.