Ambassador Richard Prendergast

Richard Prendergast is the New Zealand Ambassador to Brazil. He is based in Brasilia and started in March 2022, following Portuguese language training. New Zealand cooperates with Brazil in global trade, international security and sustainable economic growth.

Richard has been a career diplomat since 2000, when he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). His postings have included Washington (2012-16), Bamyan – Afghanistan (2011-12) and Kuala Lumpur (2004-07).

Richard’s time in Wellington with MFAT over his career has included rotations in the Americas, South Asia, Pacific, International Security and Trade Negotiations Divisions.

Richard has a Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (2009-10). He also has a Bachelor of Arts with First-class Honours in International Relations (1991-94) from Victoria University of Wellington.

Richard is married to Elena – who is from Brazil. They have two small children – Isabel age 6 and Felipe age 2. The Brazil posting is ideal for both his professional and family life. Outside of work and fatherhood, Richard’s main interests are football (soccer), travel and films.