Barry Geraghty More Of That Cheltenham Horse Racing
Barry Geraghty celebrates after guiding More Of That to World Hurdle victory at the Cheltenham Festival, 13 March. Reuters

John Allen, the chief executive of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs And Trade, is resigning. Allen's departure was announced by Trans-Tasman, which broke the news that he is moving to a top post in the New Zealand Racing Board. He will relinquish the current charge in January, New Zealand MFAT said in a statement.

Allen joined MFAT in July 2009 and was very controversial with his restructuring programme in the government department. He went ahead despite opposition from the staff. It also witnessed a spectacle of 49 ambassadors and heads of foreign missions co-signing a letter criticising the plan. Prior to his MFAT job, Allen was chief executive of New Zealand Post and a former partner of law firm Rudd Watts and Stone, reported Scoop. News.

Foreign Minister's Praise

Thanking Allen, Foreign Minister Murray McCully noted that "Allen was appointed in 2009 and immediately he set about helping to create a Ministry that was more modern, effective, and focused on delivering real benefits to New Zealanders. Under his leadership the Ministry realigned aid programme to ensure a tangible difference in our region, continued to push for free and open trade, and managed campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council." The minister noted that Allen's efforts in the ministry have put it in a strong position to "capitalise on the opportunities presented by our upcoming term on the Security Council and meet any challenges that may arise in the future."

Allen, in a statement, said he was proud of his achievements at MFAT. "The ministry has been modernised and is in great shape to serve the interests of New Zealand." The NZ Racing Board, which he will be heading, is a $2-billion business that plays a vital role in supporting the racing and sports industries. It is also the owner and operator of the TAB which is a commercial enterprise and great New Zealand brand.

Among the front runners for the top job in MFAT are former diplomat Sir Maarten Wevers, who was with the PMO earlier. Another name is that of Brook Barrington, a former ambassador, who is now deputy secretary at the Ministry of Justice, a NZ Herald report added.