 | This biographical article is written like a résumé. (August 2025) |
Christopher John Elder | |
|---|---|
| Ambassador of  New Zealand to  China | |
| In office 1993–1998 | |
| Preceded by | Michael Powles |
| Succeeded by | Peter Adams (diplomat) |
| Ambassador of New Zealand to  Indonesia | |
| In office August 29, 2001 – 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Michael Green (diplomat) |
| Succeeded by | Phillip Gibson |
| Ambassador of New Zealand to  Russian Federation | |
| In office 2006 – August 19, 2009 October 12, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Stuart Prior |
| Succeeded by | Ian Hill |
| Chargé d'affaires of New Zealand to  Germany | |
| In office 2006–2009 | |
| Preceded by | Peter Hamilton |
| Succeeded by | Peter Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1947 (age 78–79) |
Christopher Elder is a retired diplomat of New Zealand.
- Until 1973 Chris Elder was trained as a Chinese linguist.
- From 1973 to 1975 he was employed in the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing when it was opened.
- From 1993 to 1997 he was ambassador in Beijing.
- From 2001 to 2006 he was New Zealand's longest-serving ambassador in Jakarta.
- From 2006 to August 7, 2009 he was ambassador in the Embassy of New Zealand in Moscow (Russian Federation).
- In Wellington, Chris has served as the Deputy Secretary with responsibility for Asian affairs and security policy in the Asia-Pacific region.
- From August 7, 2009 to 2012 he was Chargé d'affaires in Berlin.
- Despite his expertise in China/New Zealand relations, Chris did not serve again in Beijing.
- In 2012 he retired from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand).
- He has published a range of papers and articles relating to New Zealand's interaction with China and with Asia.
- With Michael Green, he co-authored a historical survey of New Zealand-China relations (New Zealand and China 1792-1972) and with Robert Ayson a Centre for Strategic Studies Discussion Paper, China's Rise and New Zealand's Interests: A Policy Primer for 2030.