Norman Kirk's 'OE': Ken Ross reflects on the prime minister's visits to South-east Asia, London and Washington.

• Author: Ross, Ken
• Position: Essay

Kirk's 'OE' was crucial to his readiness to be our most impressive prime minister since 1945, at least for global diplomacy. South-east Asia, London and Washington were his prime destinations for his 'OE'. Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew was his principal mentor. Harold Wilson, his friend, was the model for his being a problem-solving prime minister. Kirk's fascination with South-east Asia meant that he was a pivotal player for enabling New Zealand to draw close to ASEAN soon after his death. Even as far back as 1962 he wove his South-east Asia into his conversations and talks in the United States.

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'While Leader of the Opposition, Mr Kirk had to pay out of his own pocket for overseas trips, which was largely in the interests of the country. If he was lucky an airline might perhaps offer him a seat on an inaugural flight, or a foreign government offer him a grant.' (Margaret Hayward, 1981) (1)

'The domination of world headlines by the war in Vietnam has given South East Asia an exaggerated reputation for violence and instability.' (Norman Kirk, 1970) (2)

Norman Kirk's arrival at the prime minister's office match-fit to engage the world was exceptional. Most often, New Zealand prime ministers have been ill prepared to do global diplomacy.

Global diplomacy is what prime ministers do to advance their government's foreign policy. Global diplomacy was Kirk's forte. Kirk was so outstanding that he has branded New Zealand his way--as a progressive small state, with a deep internationalism central to our national identity. (3) His 'OE' (Overseas Experience) became important in impressing the world scene when prime minister.

Kirk's preparation for his prime ministership is an extraordinary story--he has yet to have the biography that does him justice. The astutest template I have found for understanding Kirk is Alan Bullock's three-volume study of Ernest Bevin, Britain's foreign secretary (1945-51). Bullock concentrates on the public Bevin, who really mattered. The result is a wonderfully fresh and authentic picture of one of the most creative men of his time, engaged in the business of creation --pushing, bullying, cajoling, dominating, persuading, horse-trading through the endless, dreary committees and occasional angry meetings were his raw material. (4)

Richard Long and Spiro Zavos were canny observers of Kirk. Their (and other contemporaries') coverage deepens my sense that Ernest Bevin is Kirk's smartest template. In November 1973 Long wrote 'Mr Kirk has an uncanny ability to sniff the wind, to judge feeling to control his party and caucus, and to move ahead without trampling on too many feet'. (5)

Long was writing subsequent to the outstanding illustration of Kirk's Bevin-style attributes when prime minister--his ensuring that the Springboks did not visit New Zealand. Kirk was a talented problem solver, rather than an ideologically minded leader.

Kirk's fascination with South-east Asia saw him become a pivotal player for enabling New Zealand (and his good friend Michael Somare's Papua New Guinea) to draw close to ASEAN soon after his death. Gerald Hensley informs us in his 2006 memoir, Final Approaches, how Kirk steered New Zealand to a close association with ASEAN and in a non-contentious manner by not endeavouring to force our way into becoming a member state. (6)

Important gateway

The principal avenue for Kirk developing his foreign friendships was the Socialist International. In the late 1960s the organisation was the prime spot for global progressives. It also became the school of choice for Kirk to read up on world affairs: the organisation prepared much such material, which Kirk read closely (evident from his annotated markings on such documents newly accessible at Archives New Zealand). Kirk also contributed articles. (7) While initially Eurocentric, as Kirk became engaged the Socialist International was spreading its structures. Kirk was given the leadership, with Lee Kuan Yew's People's Action Party becoming his secretariat, for the organisation's Asia-Pacific initiative.

Consequently, this 'band of brothers'--his international brigade --was among the most vital components of the Norman Kirk who became prime minister...