Jon Johansson appointed as New Zealand ambassador to Sweden
Monday 7 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Winston Peters
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has appointed senior adviser Dr Jon Johansson as the new ambassador to Sweden. Johansson, a political scientist, has worked for Peters in various advisory roles since 2017. The appointment was one of five diplomatic postings announced on Sunday.
Key facts
5 facts
- Dr Jon Johansson appointed Ambassador to Sweden
- Johansson to replace David Taylor
- Johansson will begin the role next year
- Johansson served as an academic at Victoria University of Wellington from 2000 to 2017
- Johansson has advised Peters since 2017
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appointed senior adviser Dr Jon Johansson as New Zealand's next ambassador to Sweden. Johansson is expected to take up the Stockholm-based position next year. He will replace the current ambassador, David Taylor, who was appointed in 2023.
Johansson has served as an adviser to Peters since 2017, previously acting as chief of staff and currently as a senior specialist ministerial advisor. He has also worked as an academic at Victoria University of Wellington between 2000 and 2017. His professional background includes experience in New Zealand politics, news media, the public service, and international relations.
A spokesperson for Peters described Johansson as a "seriously qualified choice" who will serve New Zealand with "distinction in Stockholm". This appointment is one of five diplomatic postings announced by the minister.
The appointment follows previous criticisms by Peters regarding political figures being appointed to diplomatic roles. He previously stated, "I’m saying that we should not be having politicians in diplomatic jobs, full stop".
Where reports differ
- One report states Johansson has advised Peters for almost a decade, while another specifies he has served as an adviser since 2017.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, Stuff and 1News.