New Zealand & the Vietnam War

1964 - 1972

Starter Activity

Read the source. With a partner, discuss:

*Who is the source intended for?*Who is it about?*Explain how this source shows a cause-

effect relationship.*How useful is this source for evaluating the

effects of a war on human life?*What other ideas does the source convey?

New Zealanders in the Vietnam War

• Around 3500 NZers served in Vietnam between 1964 and 1972

• 37 were killed and 187 were wounded• The first war in which NZ did not fight with

its traditional ally, Britain• Its involvement in the war was highly

controversial, attracting protest and condemnation

Question: explain the significance of NZ fighting a war alongside the US while Britain didn’t participate.

PM Cautious to Join

• PM K.J. Holyoake is cautious to get involved because of doubts about the effectiveness of external intervention in Vietnam (a Vietnam ‘quagmire’) and fears of a wider war, possibly with China

• However, in 1962 he sends a civilian surgical team

• 1964 he sends 25 Army engineers (non-combatants) who work on road and bridge-building projects

Pressure from the US• NZ comes under pressure from the US to provide

combat assistance as they escalate their own military involvement

• While Australia sends a battalion soon after, Wellington reluctantly but eventually sends a ‘token’ contribution of 120 troops

• National interests were to counter communism in SE Asia as part of national security policy

• Holyoake keeps NZ’s involvement at a minimum but meets allies’ expectations

Question: ANZUS alliance: what would be the effect if NZ did not support the US (and Australia)?

ANZACs & Vietnamization

• In 1968, NZ increases infantry to Vietnam that is integrated with Australia

• Members of RNZN and RNZAF sent to VN also

• However, unlike the US and Australia, NZ does not have conscription

• When ‘Vietnamization’ policy comes into effect, NZ contributes army training teams while at the same time combat forces are gradually withdrawn

Impact of the War in NZ

• Despite criticism at home, National Party government does not change its policy of ANZUS alliance

• Anti-war movement grows, thousands march in protest all over NZ

• Involvement in VN brings polarisation of public opinion: national security alliances vs anti-war sentiment

• Veterans must adjust to physical & psychological problems (recognition, exposure to Agent Orange, PTSD)

Question: What role should NZ play in the world? Independent in its foreign policy, or ally itself with other Western powers for national security?