JFK held little importance to New Zealand during his life and presidency, however his assassination had significance to New Zealanders.
JFK held little importance in the minds of many New Zealanders. In the 1960's previous New Zealand was seen worldwide as a small insignificant country and many people in America did not even know where New Zealand was (or what it was). However relations between the Americans and New Zealanders were relatively good due to them being allies during the first and second world war. we also shared a common backstory being both part of the British empire as well as sharing a similar culture and language. These similarities and shared interests meant relations between the US and New Zealand relatively good. However New Zealanders disagreed with the Americans on a number of issues most notably the use of Nuclear weapons and nuclear technology. Being part of the ANZUS The US felt that NZ should allow Nuclear Submarines and ships to dock in New Zealand ports, however Many New Zealanders deliberated against this thus leading to a Nuclear ban in NZ still in effect today. These differences put aside The US and NZ share an important connection and when President John F Kennedy was killed this had a significant impact on many New Zealanders.