10 OCTOBER 2020 * 50 YEARS INDEPENDENCE * 50 YEARS NZ/FIJI DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS * 50 YEARS FIJI MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Fiji became an independent state on 10 October 1970. On this date, Sir John Grace presented credentials as New Zealand's first resident High Commissioner in Suva. The NZ Chancery was opened in Victoria Parade and residence in Marou Road, Suva.

Attending the inauguration in January 1971, Dr Satendra Singh was Fiji's first Treaty Officer in the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was the founding Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also marks 50 years. Today, it is housed in an ornately designed stand-alone building. The original Department was part of the Prime Minister's Office. Mr Robert Sanders, Mr Mike McGeever, Ratu Isoa Gavidi and Dr Singh were part of the inaugural office. Britain's High Commissioner Mr John Williams was the first Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Suva.

Although India has maintained a resident Commissioner in Fiji since 1946, the first upgraded High Commissioner was appointed in 1970. Mr Bhagwan Singh presented credentials on 30 June 1971. His family had a link in Ba Fiji.

Fiji's initial overseas representation was in Canberra, London and New York (United Nations) in 1970. 

	Photograph: Sir John Grace, first NZ High Commissioner to Fiji welcoming Dr Satendra Singh at the inauguration of the Chancery after Fiji's independence
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