Mr Ian Hill

Ian Hill is currently Adjunct Professor in the Centre of Defence and Security Studies at Massey University.  He is also a Senior Fellow in the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University.  Previously, he worked for over 40 years as a career diplomat in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, serving in senior roles both in Wellington and overseas.

Ian completed his third diplomatic posting in Moscow in January 2020 – his second term there as Ambassador.  Ian served as New Zealand’s Ambassador to Russia (accredited also to Belarus, Armenia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan) from 2016 to 2020. This followed his earlier Ambassadorial appointment in Moscow from 2009 to 2012.

Ian also served for five years as Deputy Ambassador in Washington DC from 2004 – 2009, and was earlier New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga (1995-1998).  Other diplomatic postings included London and Suva. 

Ian’s most recent assignment in Wellington was as Director for Europe in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for four years from 2012 to 2016. 

He also served as the Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser from 1993 to 1995.

Ian has both Bachelors and Masters (First Class Honours) degrees in History from the University of Canterbury.  He has completed senior leadership development programmes at both Harvard University (2008) and Macquarie University (2000).