The Foreign Minister instructed officials to bring Trevor Mallard back early - the same day his successor was approved

Mallard took up the role as Ambassador to Ireland in 2023 - and was set to return in January.

However, in August of this year, Winston Peters announced he was being recalled months earlier.

As is usual practice, officials sought to clear Mallard's replacement - career diplomat Angela Hassan-Sharp - with the Irish.

But documents obtained by Newstalk ZB show it was only at this point when Peters instructed officials he wanted Mallard home early.

Mallard was emailed the news - and told to plan to return ASAP.