Trump Appoints Member of an Oil Dynasty as Ambassador to New Zealand

Jared Novelly, who gave 17 times more in donations to Trump’s primary opponent Nikki Haley than he did to Trump, is the new US representative.
Trump Appoints Member of an Oil Dynasty as Ambassador to New Zealand
Illawarra Hawks owner Jared Novelly is seen in the crowd during the round five NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Illawarra Hawks at Cairns Convention Centre, in Cairns, Australia on Oct. 19, 2024. Emily Barker/Getty Images
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Jared Novelly, whose family owns Apex Oil, will become the new U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, just as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announces that mining and mineral exploration is the key to improving the country’s prosperity.

Luxon made the connection in his “State of the Nation” speech last week, though the government came into office a year ago with the explicit policy of reducing environmental regulation.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
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Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.