ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author examines in broad terms the development of a separate and identifiable foreign policy for New Zealand up to the 1970s; which marked the end of his direct association with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He pays special attention to the growth of public awareness of and involvement in the policy making process. The notion of a completely independent foreign policy is unreal. Leaving aside New Zealand’s involvement in two world wars, it could be said that before the link-up occurred there was minimal public interest in foreign policy issues. In the mind of the average New Zealander diplomacy was concerned with matters of high policy which had littie or no relevance to bread and butter issues such as trade and the raising of external loans. The policy on ship visits which was given immediate effect in 1984 has since then been enshrined in legislation.
