1 August 2007

MFAT releases files in annual restricted file review

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has today released more than 1,500 previously restricted files for public access, in keeping with its ongoing programme of review and release of classified material.

The files concerned cover a wide range of topics and date mainly from the 1940s to the 1970s, though the list also includes a number of older files that are likely to prove interesting to readers. All the newly released files can be found at Archives New Zealand’s Wellington office.

While the material being released covers a wide range of subjects in all areas of the Ministry’s activity, it includes notable collections on the following:

From the old Department of Island Territories, and its successor Department of Maori and Island Affairs, a very large selection of files, particularly involving Niue and the Cook Islands. Samoa, Tokelau and the South Pacific Commission also feature prominently.

The Samoan files include items relating to the upkeep of Robert Louis Stevenson’s tomb, and to the ongoing controversy over local celebrations of ANZAC Day.

The Island Territories’ selection also includes many shipping files relating to the procurement and operation of the well-known former Pacific Island trading vessels “Moana Roa”, “Maui Pomare”, and “Tofua”.

A substantial number of files are being released on New Zealand’s older technical assistance projects in countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Tanzania.

The files released include a number returned from the Ministry’s overseas posts. Noteworthy this year is the release of a number of files from Brussels, but files are also included from Apia, Beijing, Bonn, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, New Delhi, New York (UN Mission), Ottawa, Singapore, Suva, and Tokyo.

As in previous years files reviewed and cleared during the previous 12 months have been released on 1 August. Rather than releasing files after a fixed period (e.g. 30 years), the Ministry reviews and releases closed files as soon as practicable, subject to resource and international document release agreements.

ENDS

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