Johnson Naviti

Mr Naviti Vanuatu’s inaugural High Commissioner to New Zealand having being appointed to the post in December 2017.

His passing was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Facebook.

In a Tweet, the Pacific Community said it 'mourns with member state Vanuatu at tragic loss of long-time public servant Johnson Naviti, High Commissioner to New Zealand.'

Photo Twitter Ralph Regenvanu Caption Vanuatu High Commissioner to New Zealand, Johnson Naviti   .

The Daily Post reports that Johnson Naviti, who is a former director-general in the Prime Minister's Office, has been chosen for the post.

The Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu says New Zealand is not only a good friend to Vanuatu but also a very important partner, especially after the two sides signed the seasonal work scheme RSE in 2007.

New Zealand employs 4,000 ni-Vanuatu workers under the programme and Mr Regenvanu says the time is right for the first Vanuatu High Commissioner's Office to be opened in Wellington.