Tim Groser

Wellington, June 12 NZPA - New Zealand's climate change ambassador, Adrian Macey, has been elected vice-chairman of the Kyoto Protocol negotiations process by the 191 countries signed up to the environmental agreement.

Mr Macey, climate change ambassador since the position was established in 2006, was elected at a meeting in Germany yesterday.

"His election as Vice-Chair is an honour that reflects the esteem in which Dr Macey is held internationally," International Climate Change Negotiations Minister Tim Groser said.

"It also shows that New Zealand is a highly regarded, constructive player in the international climate change negotiations."

Negotiations are under way to secure a global agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.

Joanne Tyndall, a senior manager at the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, has been appointed new climate change ambassador to replace Mr Macey.

The ambassador's primary role is to lead New Zealand's international climate change negotiations.