Peter Kell
New Zealand Hydrogen COUNCIL Board Member
Director-Designate - Halcyon Power
Peter has recently taken on the role of Director at Halcyon Power Limited after a career working at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Peter’s most recent role in Aotearoa New Zealand’s MFAT was managing the Economic Diplomacy and Policy team in the Economic Division. A key focus of the team’s work was supporting the Government’s transition to a greener economy, with a strong emphasis on hydrogen and building relevant international partnerships for New Zealand hydrogen interests. This involved close coordination and cooperation across the NZ Inc government agencies involved with supporting the New Zealand hydrogen sector - from MBIE’s energy markets and other teams through to EECA, Invest New Zealand and Standards New Zealand. It also involved leveraging New Zealand’s diplomatic network offshore as appropriate to engage with a range of relevant international governments and corporates.
Peter has previously served overseas as Ambassador to the Philippines and Deputy Head of the New Zealand Mission to Japan. In these roles he had established and articulated the strategic significance of hydrogen for New Zealand and prepared and implemented initiatives to promote stronger renewable energy and hydrogen international cooperation with New Zealand.
Peter also brings a deep knowledge and experience of how governments operate (both in New Zealand and elsewhere) and how to effectively work with them. He has chaired government inter-agency processes (both in New Zealand and internationally) and is skilled at achieving tangible productive outcomes.
Peter has a deep interest in other cultures, reflecting his own bi cultural background (Samoan/Caucasian) and over several decades of living, studying and working in North and Southeast Asia, Europe and the Pacific. He has extensive people leadership experience, having managed teams overseas and in the Ministry’s head office, including in its Human Resources department. He has worked closely with Iwi both onshore and offshore.