Judith Trotter
New Zealand diplomat (1935–2026)
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Judith Catherine Trotter CNZM (30 August 1935 – 5 April 2026) was a New Zealand diplomat. In 1996, Trotter was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to diplomacy. She was also awarded a New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, a New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal, and France's National Order of Merit.
Judith Trotter | |
|---|---|
| Ambassador of New Zealand to Italy | |
| In office 1994–1998 | |
| Preceded by | Peter Bennett |
| Succeeded by | Peter Bennett |
| Ambassador of New Zealand to France | |
| In office 1988–1992 | |
| Preceded by | John McArthur |
| Succeeded by | Chris Beeby |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 August 1935 Hāwera, New Zealand |
| Died | 5 April 2026 (aged 90) Wellington, New Zealand |
| Relatives |
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| Alma mater | University of Otago |
Awards | |
Early life and education
Trotter was the youngest of four children of Pan and Clement Trotter, and grew up in Hāwera.[1] Trotter's sister Ann Trotter was a professor of history and the first woman to be appointed pro vice-chancellor of the University of Otago.[1] Her brother Ron Trotter was knighted for his service to business in 1985. Trotter was educated at St Cuthbert's College in Auckland, where she was head prefect in 1953.[2] Trotter then earned a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Otago in 1957.[3][4]
Diplomatic career
Trotter was at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade between 1965 and 1998, serving in New Zealand and in Athens, Bangkok, Singapore, France, Canada and Italy.[5][6] During her time in France she was at the OECD, and was New Zealand's ambassador to France between 1987 and 1992, and then ambassador to Italy.[5] She was chair of the France–New Zealand Friendship Fund.[5]
Death
Trotter died in Wellington on 5 April 2026, at the age of 90.[7]
Honours and awards
Trotter was awarded a New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, which was given to people "in recognition of the contribution they have made to some aspect of New Zealand life".[8] In 1993 Trotter was awarded a New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal, which was given to "recognize those New Zealand and Commonwealth citizens who had made a significant contribution to women's rights or women's issues in New Zealand".[9]
In the 1996 Queen's Birthday Honours, Trotter was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to diplomacy.[10]
Trotter was recognised by France with a National Order of Merit in 2010.[5]