For much of this period, several New Zealand Prime Ministers including Peter Fraser, Walter Nash, and Keith Holyoake held the External Affairs portfolio.

In 1975, the Island Territories Department was dissolved and its functions were absorbed back into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

[4] The ministry represents New Zealand interests to other governments, including at the United Nations, APEC, TPPA and the WTO.

It is active in developing export opportunities for local companies, and in 2008 negotiated a free trade agreement with China.

[14] Their role includes developing a partnership model reflecting Te Tiriti principles, and the Ministry towards fulfilling its Treaty obligations.