Looking back at diplomatic stories, from diplomats’ personal anecdotes to historical government archives, from Baghdad at the first Gulf War to West Papua, these authors have interesting diplomatic stories and facts uncovered. Read on!
New moons for Sam : becoming Kiwi, life of a New Zealand diplomat / Hamilton, Peter
“In 1961, Leaving from Somerset and growing up in rural New Zealand, Peter Hamilton joined the diplomatic service as this change was getting underway and his four-decade career saw him leading diplomatic and free trade efforts with traditional and new partners at a time of unprecedented international change for his adopted country. This book is a rare insider’s account of how New Zealand conducts its diplomacy, forges alliances and makes the most of its position as a small South Pacific country on a global stage. ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
See no evil : New Zealand’s betrayal of the people of West Papua / Leadbeater, Maire
“The book begins by relating the little-known history of West Papua, but its focus is on the impact of New Zealand’s foreign policy on the indigenous Melanesian inhabitants. In the 1950s New Zealand supported self-determination for the former Dutch colony, but in 1962 opted to back Indonesia as it took over the territory. Delving deep into historical government archives, this meticulously researched book uncovers the untold story of New Zealand’s unprincipled and often hypocritical diplomacy. ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Diplomatic ladies : New Zealand’s unsung envoys / Woods, Joanna
“Diplomatic Ladies tells the story of New Zealand’s diplomatic wives and daughters over a hundred years of diplomacy. Starting with Maud Pember Reeves in 1907 and based on private letters, MFAT archives and personal interviews, it records many unknown episodes in New Zealand’s diplomatic history, including the part played by the spouses in Baghdad during the first Gulf War, and the perils faced by diplomatic wives in Saigon and Tehran. It is a life full of interest and excitement but comes at a price that many modern women are not prepared to pay.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Persona non grata : breaking the bond : Fiji and New Zealand, 2004-2007 / Green, Michael
“NZ High Commissioner Michael Green in Fiji of his time and role in Fiji until the surprising announcement of his change in diplomatic status to ‘Persona Non Grata’ (unwelcome person) in 2007. It is a gritty and insightful analysis of the political events leading up to the 2006 military coup lead by Commodore Frank Bainimarama which established him as interim president – a position he still holds in 2013. It is also a valuable account of the relationship of long standing that has existed between New Zealand and Fiji.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Eat, drink and be wary : a New Zealand diplomat looks back / Weir, Jim
“Jim Weir joined the New Zealand Foreign Service in 1947. His career included periods as High Commissioner and Ambassador and this book highlights some of the people, places and events in his diplomatic career. It also dips into New Zealand’s post-War political history and its place in the world. This is a book rich in anecdote and is a perceptive and often amusing read.” (Catalogue)
