Former NZ Envoy To Fiji Dies

November 16, 2009 6:23 p.m. EST

Suva, Fiji (AHN) - Former New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Tia Barrett has passed away after a short illness, it has been confirmed.

According to the New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully, Barrett, 62, died in Middlemore Hospital, Auckland on November 15.

He was NZ High Commissioner to Cook Islands.

Prior to his Fiji posting, Barrett served as NZ's High Commissioner to the Solomons (1992 -1995) before his appointment to the Cooks early this year.

Barrett served in Fiji from 1998 to 2001.

A condolence book has been opened for messages at the New Zealand High Commission in Suva.

He is survived by his wife and two children.