Even before he's set foot on the plane the new New Zealand ambassador to Ireland, Trevor Mallard, has also been making the news in the Emerald Isle.
Mallard (68) will take up the post in January next year replacing New Zealand's first ambassador to Ireland Brad Burgess.
The Irish Times reported the appointment of the sometimes controversial MP had "flabbergasted" opposition MPs here.
So we thought we'd talk to someone on the ground in Ireland about what Trevor can expect when he takes up his post.
President of the Ireland New Zealand Association Jonathan Saint joins us from Dublin.
Trevor Mallard addresses the House Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
