PM Transcripts

FOR, PRESS WS DEP4A~ r
-3
_ 3 PM6No. 26/ 1968
PRIME MIINIST3R TO VISIT NEV! Z3ALAND
The Prime Minister, Mr John Gorton, has accepted
an invitation by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Keith Holyoake,
to visit New Zealand next month. He plans to make the visit at the end
of March and to be in New Zealand for about three days.
This will be Mr Gorton's first visit outside
Australia since becoming Prime Minister and will satisfy a wish
had to take an early opportunity to make a goodwill visit to New he has
Zealand.
The visit Is a further expression to mark the close
and continuing bonds of kinship and common endeavour existing between
the two countries and the desire of each to see intimate relationships
preserved and developed. It will provide an occasion for discussions with
Mr Holyoake and his colleagues on matters of mutual interest.
Mr Gorton has accepted an invitation to open the
New Zealand Easter Show at Auckland on 30 March.
CANBERRA, 28 February 1968
Background Note The late Prime Minister, Mr Harold Holt, visited
New Zealand in February of last year. This was the first visit to New
Zealand by an Australian Prime Minister since 1954.