Jim McLay was New Zealand’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations. He led the New York end of New Zealand's successful campaign for election to a seat on the UN Security Council, and led New Zealand’s representation on the Council from January to May 2015. He also served as: New Zealand consul general in Honolulu; New Zealand representative to Palestine; special envoy of the prime minister; and special adviser to the minister of foreign affairs.
 

He was knighted for services to business and to the state; and an Antarctic glacier was named in his honour, for his work on the International Whaling Commission. He was a New Zealand MP from 1975 to 1987, serving as deputy prime minister, leader of the opposition, attorney general and minister of justice. Before his election to parliament, he practiced as a barrister; and, after retiring from politics, he had a successful business career.