Career
After a period working as an economist, Hayes joined the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He has represented New Zealand in Singapore, India, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia (as chargé d’affaires), in Papua New Guinea (as High Commissioner) and in Iran (as Ambassador, 1993–1995). He served as Principal Private Secretary to Mike Moore during Moore's tenure of the cabinet portfolio of Overseas Trade and Marketing (1984–1990).
As New Zealand's High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (1989–1993), Hayes took a very active role alongside the former New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Don McKinnon during the Bougainville conflict in the 1990s. He became involved in negotiations for setting up peace-talks by visiting leaders of the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), and of its affiliate the Bougainville Interim Government (BIG). One such meeting saw BRA shooting down Hayes' helicopter. Hayes became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his services.
As of 2008 he functions as a shareholder and director of business interests in the Wairarapa region. He served as a Director of the New Zealand Export Import Corporation for three years.
Hayes received his secondary education at Rongotai College and holds a BAgrSci degree from Lincoln College. He took part in student politics as President of the Lincoln College Students Association and in the New Zealand University Students' Association. He became the inaugural Chair of the Chartwell School Board under the “Tomorrow's Schools” reforms of the 1980s.
Hayes serves as a trustee of the “We The Peoples Foundation” and of the “Bridget Nicholls Trust”. His interests include yachting and fishing.
John and his wife Helen live in Greytown; their two children work as lawyers.
Read more about this topic: John Hayes (New Zealand Politician)
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