SCOTT Mann, Conservative MP for North Cornwall, welcomed the New Zealand high commissioner to Bude recently, during a visit to the area.

Sir Lockwood Smith, who has been the New Zealand high commissioner to the UK since 2013, was visiting the area at the invite of local resident and Eden Project co-founder, Jonathan Ball.

Mr Mann welcomed commissioner Smith to the town alongside prospective Conservative candidate for Bude, Bob Willingham, who will be standing in the Cornwall Council local elections in May.

Mr Mann met with commissioner Smith at the Tree Inn in Stratton, which is one of the oldest and most historic inns in Cornwall. Commissioner Smith was welcomed by landlords, Emma and Rob Semple, where he was able to taste some of Cornwall’s best ales.

Commenting on the visit, Mr Mann said: “It was a pleasure to meet with the high commissioner for New Zealand while he was visiting Bude.

“It was very interesting to hear his views on various subjects, from Britain leaving the EU, to agricultural policy, to trade opportunities between our two great countries — especially with his experience and background as an MP in New Zealand since 1984, where he held a variety of positions including speaker of the house of representatives, minister of education, minister of agriculture, minister for international trade and associate minister of finance.

“I was also very interested in his work as marketing manager at the New Zealand Dairy Board.

“New Zealand and Cornwall share many things in common. They are both renowned for their natural beauty and their tourism and farming sectors. Commissioner Smith represents one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and I was delighted to welcome him to North Cornwall, which is also one of the most beautiful parts of the world.”