Objectives Of N.Z. Institute Of International Affairs

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32382, 22 August 1970, Page 15

Objectives Of N.Z. Institute Of International Affairs

The New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, which will focus national attention on this country and probable British entry to the European Economic Community at its annual conference in Christchurch next week-end, exists primarily to promote an understanding of international questions affecting New Zealanders.

It was established in 1934 when an organisation called the Institute of Pacific Relations joined forces with a branch of the Royal Institute Of International Affairs. In the mid 1960 s it received a shot in the arm in the form of a 510,000 grant from the Ford Foundation for research on the South Pacific area. A conference was held in 1967, and this resulted in publication of a booklet, "New Zealand’s International Aid.”

In 1968, the institute was further strengthened by a 5103,000 grant from the same foundation for the period 1969-71.

Describing the aim of the institute, the director (Mr Bruce Brown) says: “The purpose of the institute is to

promote an understanding of international questions as they concern New Zealand. “T’e seek to aid the development of a more informed public opinion. What viewpoint members themselves may wish to advocate is not our concern; the institute is not a partisan body.

“We advocate no. policy: it is the quality of the argument with which we are essentially concerned.” Independent Body 1 The institute stresses its independent character. It has, however, published a wide-ranging series of ; pamphlets in which various ■ views are expressed. These . are a result of research on , the South Pacific Commission, collective security as it affects New Zealand, Aus-tralia-New Zealand relations and New Zealand foreign policy. The theme of next weekend’s conference, “New Zealand and the E.E.C.,” reflects the preoccupation of this country with negotiations for Britain's entry. Present will be the deputy Prime Minister and New Zealand’s principal negotiator, Mr MarshalL who will leave :

droos,” Kelton: for Europe soon afterwards when E.E.C. negotiations begin again. What he says at the conference could well indicate

the line of New Zealand’s representations in Europe. As a contrast and for a European view, the institute has invited Mr H. J. De Koster, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands, who will be visiting New Zealand, to address the conference.

An analysis of New Zealand’s economic situation will be given by Professor F, W. Holmes, chairman of the Monetary and Economic Council. As well as research on the Pacific area, the institute has taken active steps to keep New Zealanders adequately informed through sending representatives to overseas conferences. These include a conference

on international relations in the South Pacific held in Santiago, a conference of the South Pacific Commission in Fiji, and being joint organisers of an Australia-New Zealand relations conference in Canberra. Seminars have also been held in New Zealand, including one with the theme, “international aid and the business community.” The chairman of the institute’s standing committee is the Ombudsman, Sir Guy Powles.

One of the advantages of the institute is that it constitutes an effective channel between Government and public, both for the exchange of views and information, and for testing reaction.