Lawrence Meredith is the European Union Ambassador to New Zealand since December 2023. The EU is a very close like-minded partner with New Zealand, both strong supporters of the rules-based international order and free trade. EU-New Zealand relations are going from strength to strength through cooperation on trade, research and innovation as well as climate and environment. 

His most recent role prior to arriving in New Zealand was Director for Neighbourhood East and Institution Building within the European Commission, managing relations and cooperation with the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries. 

Previously, he was Head of Unit for Policy and Strategy, Head of Unit for Kosovo Issues and Assistant to the Director-General of DG Enlargement.

He holds  a First Class Honours B.A. in Russian and French from The Queen's College, Oxford University. He speaks English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian.