Former governor general Sir Jerry Mateparae has been appointed as an independent moderator, to work with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in resolving outstanding issues on Bougainville’s future.
Sir Jerry has been in Port Moresby this week engaging in initial conversations with leaders about the role.
He was selected out of several high profile candidates.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is an enduring friend to Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and has provided long-running support to the Bougainville peace process.
He says Sir Jerry is eminently qualified for the role of moderator, having served as the Governor-General of New Zealand, Chief of Defence Force, and Commander of the Truce Monitoring Group in Bougainville during Operation Belisi.
