Tom Udall, Biden’s cowboy boot-wearing friend, makes debut as ambassador to New Zealand

Udall presents a less controversial image than Donald Trump's pick, as US seeks to ease tensions in the Indo Pacific

Clad in the cowboy boots and turquoise gemstone bolo tie of his home state, Tom Udall, Joe Biden's longtime friend and pick as US ambassador, made a distinctly American impression as he addressed New Zealand's press for the first time on Thursday.

Despite the departure from the usual diplomatic sartorial tastes, Udall represents a less controversial pick than his predecessor, outspoken Trump selection Scott Brown, who left New Zealand in December. Brown had been one of Trump's first political backers, with a colourful - at times controversial - history in and out of politics.