Interview with Maarten Wevers

Maarten Wevers was born in the Netherlands in 1952. Gives details of his family's background and reasons for their emigration in 1953. Notes that his mother was English. Recalls travelling out on the `Rangitata' and adapting to New Zealand society. Comments on his awareness of being Dutch. Talks about family life and growing up in a home designed by his architect father. Mentions his practice in Masterton. Discusses having no relatives in New Zealand other than immediate family.

Recalls his enthusiasm for sport, particularly golf, and being a Wairarapa representative. Talks about family discussions on political issues, including Vietnam, and political involvement at Victoria University. Describes doing maths and economics degrees, going overseas, living in Holland and learning Dutch. Comments on living in Holland and returning to New Zealand. Describes getting a job at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and arranging the tour to New Zealand of Princess Beatrix and Dutch parliamentarians. Talks about meeting and marrying his wife Louise, going to Japan from 1980-1985 and being ambassador there from 1994 to 1998. Recalls being private secretary for David Lange, travelling with the Prime Minister, his role as a public servant and the excitement of the job. Talks about working in Brussels.

Describes chairing the officials' meeting of APEC in Auckland in 1998, the impact of the East Timor crisis on the APEC summit and vice versa and the unique character of APEC. Sums up his feelings about his Dutch heritage.

Interviewer(s) - Hans Van Kregten

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2704.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copy OHLC-004415