Nicole Roberton

Nicole Roberton is a career diplomat who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1997. She was appointed Acting Deputy Secretary of the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Australia Group in June 2024. Nicole has also served as Divisional Manager of Australia Division, Divisional Manager of South and South East Asia Division and Divisional Manager of United Nations and Commonwealth Division.  

From 2017 to 2021 Nicole was Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna (including the IAEA and United Nations) as well as Ambassador to Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia.

From 2015 – 2016 Nicole was New Zealand Special Representative to the African Union based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, supporting New Zealand’s term on the UN Security Council.

From 2011 – 2014 Nicole was based with her husband in Ha Noi, Viet Nam working on various international consultant projects, including for the New Zealand government. From 2009 – 2011 she completed her Masters Degree while also raising young children.

Prior to this Nicole served at the New Zealand Permanent Mission in New York, New Zealand Embassy in Russia and New Zealand High Commission in Samoa.

Nicole has also held various HQ roles in the International Security, Pacific, Europe and Development divisions.

Nicole graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and a Bachelor of Laws in 1996. She also holds a Masters Degree in International Relations with First Class honours.