McKenzie, Jean (1901–1964)

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McKenzie, Jean (1901–1964)

New Zealand diplomat. Name variations: Jane Robertson McKenzie. Born Jan 19, 1901, at Edendale, Southland, New Zealand; died July 1 or 2, 1964; dau. of Duncan McIntyre McKenzie (blacksmith) and Amy Evelyn (Swale) McKenzie.

Worked as secretary at Invercargill Post Office and Public Works Department during WWI; employed by Main Highways Board in Wellington (1924), before becoming secretary to imperial affairs officer in prime minister's department (1926); part of New Zealand delegation to Canada (1930s); transferred to League of Nations section of trade commissioner's staff in London during WWII; transferred to New Zealand Legation in Washington, DC (1941), and was promoted to second secretary; posted as official secretary to Canberra (1943), and to London as delegate to 1st session of General Assembly of United Nations (1946); appointed chargé d'affaires at New Zealand Legation in Paris (1949), and was promoted to rank of minister—the 1st New Zealand woman to hold position of seniority in Overseas Service.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).

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