Richard Brian Atkins is a retired diplomat of New Zealand. * In 1954 he joined Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand), Wellington. * From 1956 to 1960 he was third, second secretary at the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York City * From 1960 to 1963 he was acting head of the UN and Asian Divivision in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand) * From 1963 to 1966 he was first secretary , Counselor (diplomat) at the High Commission of New Zealand, London * From 1966 to 1970 he was head of the S Pacific & Antarctic Affairs Divivision in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (New Zealand) * From 1970 to 1973 he was Counselor (diplomat) in Rome. * From 1973 to 1975 he was minister (diplomat) in Washington, D. C.. * From 1975 to 1979 he was amba