Diplomat and Prince enjoy bath-time of small sons

Press, 25 October 1985, Page 26

Diplomat and Prince enjoy bath-time of small sons

By ROBIN CHARTERIS, London correspondent Mr Bryce Harland, New Zealand’s new High Commissioner in London, has a private side to his nature that should appeal to the British public — like Prince Charles, he enjoys bathtimes with his young son. Fresh from New York and the United Nations, and disclaiming knowledge of British press reports of Prince Charles playing with Prince William in the Royal bath-tub, Mr Harland said that foremost among his interests outside his career, along with reading history, listening to classical music, and walking, was playing with his son, Thomas, aged four. “I’m a family man and like to spend as much time as possible with my wife, Ann, and young Thomas. Bath-time is an especially good time in our household,” Mr Harland said. The first career diplomat to be appointed New Zealand’s official representative in Britain, he has had little time for relaxation so far in London. He has succeeded the late Mr Joe Walding, who died in office four months ago.

Mr Harland, aged 54, father of three sons — two, now grown up, from his first marriage, and Thomas in his second, has had 32 years in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving at posts in Singapore, Bangkok, New York, Washington and Peking before his last posting as New Zealand’s permanent representative at the United Nations in New York. His appointment to London breaks tradition in that he is not a former politician. However, this causes him no concern. “The access a high commissioner enjoys and his effectiveness depends on the amount of support he gets from his Government and the confidence it places in him,” he said during a press interview. “Other considerations are really supplementary to that.” Answering suggestions that access to the British Government at least depended on other considerations — as a former High Commissioner, Mr Bill Young (appointed by the previous National Government) said recently in New Zealand — Mr Harland de-

dined to comment further than saying: “I would like to think that whatever happens in New Zealand politics, I will still have the confidence of the Government (in power). “I have served several different Governments overseas in the past and I do not foresee difficulties in that regard.” Mr Harland said he saw his primary responsibilities in London as being to represent New Zealand at Government and public levels, to explain the New Zealand Government’s position on issues, and to try and mobilise widespread public interest in New Zealand within Britain. "Being a diplomat rather than a politician made no difference. “I have and am seen to have the confidence of our Government,” he repeated. “That’s what matters.” Immediate matters that would occupy him would be the nuclear ships issue and economic access to European markets, he confirmed. A further round of E.E.C. talks on butter would probably be held early next year, as well as trade negotiation talks under G.A.T.T.

He was reluctant to talk on A.N.Z.U.S. matters or on the possibility of British Navy ships visiting New Zealand next year. However, he would have a full round of introductory calls with British officials and these matters could be expected to be discussed, he said. His London appointment including accreditation to Ireland and Nigeria, Mr Harland expects to spend a considerable amount of time travelling. Ireland, especially, was of great importance to New Zealand because of E.E.C. matters, he said. How would he prefer to be addressed now that he has achieved New Zealand’s top overseas posting? Mr Harland was emphatic. “The title ‘His Excellency’ will not be used by me. I prefer to be known as Bryce Harland and my wife wants to be known as Ann Blackburn (her maiden name). “We do not even require Mr, Mrs or Ms. This is a twenty-first century thing and we intend to keep up with the times.”