Tane Waetford

Lead Adviser, Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Tane Waetford is Lead Adviser Māori Trade in the Trade Policy Engagement and Implementation Division (TPEI) at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). TPEI is responsible for managing MFAT’s Māori and stakeholder engagement on trade issues, and for the ongoing implementation and periodic upgrade of New Zealand's in-force trade agreements.

Tane joined MFAT in 2009 and has worked in several Wellington-based teams including North Asia Division, APEC, United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division, APEC21, and the Māori Policy Unit. He has had overseas postings to Brazil and Argentina, as well as short-term assignments to the Philippines and Ireland. Tane studied at Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (2005) and a Master of Laws (2009). Tane is of Māori descent – his tribal affiliations are to Ngāpuhi and Whakatōhea.