Mr Collinge was High Commissioner based in London from 1994 to 1997. His Valedictory dated 31.3.97 covering a wide range of subjects cannot be shortly repeated here but is at pages 149-158 of the attached Supporting Material. The Valedictory is especially illuminating for its strategic oversight, perception and balance in relation to diplomatic issues, its mission for New Zealand and its empathy for Britain and Ireland. For him the role was not a sinecure and this summary of the period could only have been written by someone who had spared no effort to contribute to and to advance NZ’s interests across the board and to further the NZ/UK relationship in a positive way. The Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade (Don McKinnon as he then was) says upon receipt of the Valedictory: ‘I wanted to say simply that the achievements of you and those of the High Commission under your leadership speak for themselves’ [page 159].
In this role, Mr Collinge fitted easily and sympathetically into the local community -having an Oxford University post graduate degree and having previously worked in Britain as a University Lecturer. He had also played cricket for the University in the English County competition and was thus a member of the prestigious Vincents Club. As a result,he already was known to key people at the time for example the then Chief Whip, Secretary to the Treasury and Secretary for the Commonwealth as well as others at top level, supplemented by later contacts with his equivalents in the UK (through the National Party, the Commerce Commission and ALAC). He found this background to be of great value in that it meant ‘instant acceptance’ in the UK [page 155]. As NZPA noted in a despatch from London, he was ‘comfortable dealing with the Oxbridge types who still largely run government and industry’ –‘put him in a pin stripe suit and Mr Collinge is the archtypical English gent’ [page 162].
(a)Criteria for Commonwealth Membership: Although not a career diplomat, Mr Collinge won widespread respect from the diplomatic community, being appointed as independent Chairman of the prestigious Intergovernmental Committee of the Criteria for Commonwealth Membership with the support of the Secretariat and members [page 154]. This Committee, consisted of leadingcountries of the Commonwealth (and on which New Zealand was separately represented as a member). Upon inquiry, it recommended that the Commonwealth retain its identity, cohesion and effectiveness by limiting membership in future to those countries which had constitutional links with Britain or (so as to include the controversial acceptance of Mozambique to membership) links to other Commonwealth countries. It also recommended strengthening the good governance role of the Commonwealth by requiring applicants to comply with the rule of law, democracy and human rights priorto being accepted as members [pages 174-181]. The report is described by the NZ Minister of Foreign Affairs (later the Secretary-General for the Commonwealth) as producing ‘real results’ and as ’admirably sensible, concise and clear’ and [page 182]. This continues to form the basis of attitudes to membership of the Commonwealth.
(b)Policy and Public Relations Effort: During this period Mr Collinge participated in many policy issues as High Commissioner on behalf of New Zealand. Thus, NZ’s non nuclear stance was in direct contrast to the British and French desire (for defence reasons) for a nuclear deterrent [page 250] –it was resolved (as agreed by Prime Minister John Major) as ‘a disagreementbetween friends’. Further, the British had the BSE (mad cow) scare and the question was whether NZ should take advantage or retain its policy of comity with the British farmer of supply in the off season -the latter view prevailed (co-incidentally and bychance the British and world expert on BSE was Professor John Collinge of London University –whose family like that of Mr Collinge derived from the hamlet of Crompton, Lancashire in the mid 19thCentury). Then there were various efforts by the EU of a restrictionist kind which jeopardised NZ products, particularly spreadable butter, into Britain. In the public relations area there was also a need to protect perceptions of NZ in the UK -such as re-assuring major customers and activists that NZ animal welfare was of the highest standard [eg page 163]; assuring the UK that the republican debate in NZ was not anti British [eg pages 170, 251]; that MMP was not likely to cause instability in NZ [eg pages 162, 165]; that NZ’s interest in APEC was not at the expense of the UK [eg page 162]; and so on [page 251]. Having regard to the nature of such issues, the special advantage of a non career diplomat with a political background is in dealing (often in circumstances requiring a quick or immediate response) with politicians and media in policy and public relations.
(c)Promoting the NZ/UK Relationship: Perhaps surprisingly, his term saw the NZ/UK relationship (already in excellent shape and one of ‘considerable warmth’) enhanced. Previous High Commissioners had reported that New Zealand’s reputation in Britain had gradually been changing from one of ‘behind the times’ to an innovative and modern country. During Mr Collinge’s term this new perception was cemented due to a number of factors. An important feature was the widespread UK interest in the free trade, economic and public sector reforms in NZ (in which Mr Collinge had played a part, particularly as Chairman of the Commerce Commission) and which reforms he fostered [eg pages 173, 276-277]. Another important factorwas promotion of the value added and increasing sophistication which was emerging in NZ products, eg chilled meat replacing frozen meat; new varieties of apples such as Braeburn replacing the old; recognition of the premium attaching to NZ wines (Mr Collinge was Patron of the Wine Guild) [eg pages 151, 173]. In this respect, he was acknowledged as assisting in ‘developing more prominent awareness of NZ products within the UK’ [at page 210]. As a result of the new perceptions, NZ was ‘now being seriously listened to’ and Sir William Purves (Group Chairman HSBC) describes its standing as ‘on a much higher plane than it was a few years ago’ [page 231]. Mr Collinge’s contribution to this is described ‘as of the greatest importance’ [page 189]. At the conclusionof his tenure, Mr Collinge was able to report that, in his experience, the relationship was now not only one of ‘considerable warmth’ but now also one of ‘undoubted respect’ [pages 158, 173, 185].
(d)Fostering NZ Interests: Mr Collinge brought considerableeffort and vigour to this role making special effort to promote New Zealand and to further its interests in a wide range of fields –business, sporting and cultural -to current decision makers throughout the UK [eg pages 155-156, 167-169, 172, 214]. He was in demand and acknowledged for his speaking engagements [see eg pages 221, 222, 230, 249, 276-277] and countered misunderstandings and comment in NZ in relation to the UK [eg page 171]. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and others compliment him on the success of the functions he hosted for them [eg at pages 225, 229, 230, 234, 236]. He was particularly active in matching New Zealanders with their British counterparts in NZ events. The then Chairman of the Commonwealth Trust, says ‘the extent ofthe networks that support the relationship between the two countries is quite amazing. You have undoubtedly contributed substantially to ensuring that those networks at all levels are in good working order and working well to everyone’s benefit. Congratulations on a job well done’ [page 228].
(e)Trade: Assisted by the improved perceptions of NZ, there were significant gains -for example, increased British investment in NZ bonds, an increase in work permit applications to NZ and an increase in tourism from Britain to NZ [eg page 213]. Importantly, in 1995-96 (against the trend) NZ exports to Britain increased by 17.5% [eg page 173] and by 17% in Ireland [page 153] (Mr Collinge had established a NZ/Irish Joint Chamber of Commerce) [pages 153, 160]. He said that trade was ‘a definite priority’ [eg pages 160-165, 168] and assistance was given to all trade interests representing NZ in Britain. Thus, the International Meat Trade Association says that his term in London has been ‘most successful’, a view echoed by the President of the National Farmers Union; by the New Zealand Dairy Board; and by ENZA (formerly the Apple & Pear Marketing Board) [pages 206-210].
(f)Upgrading Presentation: Mr Collinge oversaw and directed a rejuvenation of New Zealand House which wasat the outset of his term only some 50% let largely due to the congregation of backpackers in the foyer. Removing the visitor facilities out of sight; establishing NZ promotions and features (eg the Globe wall hangings [page 164], Minhinnick, Brian Brakephotographs); and improving the professionalism, presentation in the reception and common areas all gradually ensured full letting by the end of his term [pages 156-157], thereby easing ‘a longstanding drain on funds’ [page 213]. This effort was gratefully received by MFAT –‘Our congratulations to you and all High Commission staff involved on the successful completion to the NZ House letting campaign. It is a real achievement in a difficult and very competitive market’ [see page 183]. There were also fourbomb scares in the close vicinity of the glass building which required significantly enhanced security measures in NZ House –a feature which continues today.
Mr Collinge’s contribution was acknowledged by high praise and recognition from the most eminent and pertinent sources in the UK -including those having the greatest importance and relevance to New Zealand [pages 184-248]. Thus, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Sir Jeremy Hanley, hosting a farewell lunch at Lancaster House in his honour was ‘effusive’ in praise of his ‘exceptional effort in promoting good relations between the two countries’ and said that the two enjoyed ‘exceptional rapport’ [pages 184-185]. The Prime Minister John Major thanks him for ‘all you have doneto contribute...to the special relationship’ and ‘close co-operation at its many different levels’ [page 190]. The Palace thanks him for all he has done for them while he has been in London, and says that ‘relations between New Zealand and the United Kingdom could hardly be better, fostered as they are by someone who could be described as the highest common denominator’ [page 196]. The President of the Privy Council says to him that ‘you have been an admirable ambassador for your country, and established such excellent relations’ [page 187-188]. The Master of the Butcher’s Guild speaks of the ‘very high standing in which we all hold you in’ and says of all the High Commissioners since Sir Thomas McDonald in 1963 ‘my most cherished memories will be of the special accord I have enjoyed with you’ [page 189]. The Chairman of the Royal Society of St George, which fosters relations between England and other countries, said that of all the High Commissioners and Ambassadors during his term he was ‘the best’ [page 213]. The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, referring to NZ’s support of the peace process, says that he and all of his colleagues ‘have appreciated the close relationship which has developed over the past few years’ [page 191]. The Lord Chancellor sends ‘his warm congratulations on a very distinguished term of office’ and the Shadow Lord Chancellor of his ‘great pleasure’ in their relationship [pages 192, 193]. The First Assistant Marshall Diplomatic Corps says to Mr Collinge ‘how much all of my colleagues have enjoyed our close association and co-operation with you’ [page 186]. Various Commonwealth organisations (eg the Commonwealth Institute, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies) thank him for his ‘advice’, ‘support’, ‘contribution’ and ‘guidance’ [pages 198-200]. Others such as the Royal Life Saving Society, the British Red Cross, the British Museum and the War Graves Commission all refer to his ‘enthusiastic support’ and ‘interest’ [pages 202-204, 223].
There are also letters of appreciation from organisations in Britain which foster the New Zealand effort. London Connections says ‘congratulations on your valuable input and commitment’ [page 232]. The Waitangi Foundation thanks him for his ‘positive support’ and‘success of the Foundation’ [pages 236, 240]. The New Zealand Society speaks of his ‘accomplishments over the past three years’ and support for the Society –‘New Zealand owes you a debt of gratitude for the tremendous work you have undertaken during yourtime as High Commissioner’ [page 201].
Likewise, there are testimonials from New Zealand -the Governor General, the Governor General Designate and the Cabinet Clerk -for his ‘hospitality and care’ in making their visits ‘such a great success’ [pages 216-218]. Both the Leader of the Opposition Helen Clark and the Deputy Prime Minister express appreciation of the efforts made on their behalf [pages 219, 220]. Lord Cooke writes to Mr Collinge of his ‘successful service as High Commissioner’ [page 211]. The Deputy Chairman of the Earthquake Commission says Mr Collinge ‘was extraordinarily helpful and effective in rendering assistance on commercial matters of no small significance to New Zealand’ and that from his observation he was ‘warmly regarded by the commercial community, the various Governmental authorities and his diplomatic colleagues’ [page 212]. The Canterbury 2000 Project speaks of ‘the special quality of his support’ ‘far beyond what one could, in normal circumstances, hope for’ [pages 227, 234].The Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Richard Nottage) could hardly have been more complimentary in expressing personally the ‘gratitude’ of himself and the Ministry for his term of office and his ‘hard work’ [page 214].
Mrs Margaret Postlethwaite,his English companion for two of the three year period (and later his wife), was highly regarded as his hostess and for her support of New Zealand. In fact, the Palace acknowledged their meetings and her contribution by overlooking protocol and specifically inviting her to accompany him on his farewell visit to Her Majesty even though they were not married at the time [page 252]. HM the Queen talks of her ‘fond memories’ of the evening which Mr Collinge and Mrs Postlethwaite hosted for her and the Duke at the Residence and ‘all they did in making her and the Duke feel welcome and his organisation of it’ [page 197].
There are many other glowing comments not repeated here across an extraordinarily wide range of endeavours [pages 221-248]. What stands out is Mr Collinge’s enthusiasm, diligence and wideranging efforts to advance his country and its interests. Having previously worked in the UK and Australia, he is a New Zealander by choice as well as by birth and, being Anglophile, he is and was at all times strongly involved in furthering and supporting New Zealand’s interests in the UK and in the NZ/UK relationship. Mr Collinge’s obvious credentials and suitability for the role were assisted by his ‘natural diplomacy’ [pages 28, 163, 170], his background in the UK, his policy involvement in New Zealand, his breadth of experience and his private sector credentials. As a result, his contribution to fostering New Zealand’s interests and the relationship added considerable value to the career diplomats in support.