Maarten Wevers was born in The Netherlands and emigrated to New Zealand when he
was one year old.
He graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a BSc and BA (Hons) in
economics. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Division, in
1977 and in 1982 was Second Secretary at the New Zealand Embassy in Japan. From
1985 to 1987 he was Private Secretary to the Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs, the Rt Hon David Lange, before being seconded to the Institute
of Policy Studies at Victoria University of Wellington to undertake research on
relations between Japan and New Zealand.
Between 1989 - 1992 Maarten served as Counsellor in the New Zealand Embassy,
Brussels before becoming High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (1993-1994) and
Ambassador to Japan (1994-1997).
In 1999 Maarten was Chair of the APEC Senior Officials Meeting, during New
Zealand’s APEC year.
Maarten is currently Chief Executive of the Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet following time as Regional Director of New Zealand Post International
Limited and General Manager, Government Business, for New Zealand Post Limited.
In 2000 he was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM).