15 Facts About George Laking

Sir George Robert Laking was a New Zealand diplomat who served as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador to the United States, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Chief Ombudsman.

George Laking started working in the New Zealand Customs Department in 1929, before moving to the Prime Minister's Department in the fledgling Foreign Ministry.

In 1940, George Laking became head of the Organisation for National Security, managing the War Cabinet Secretariat, a post he held until 1948.

In 1949, George Laking was appointed Minister to the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, serving as deputy to Ambassador Carl Berendsen, for seven years.

George Laking returned to Wellington in 1956, following the death of deputy secretary Foss Shanahan, to act as Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs under Alister McIntosh.

George Laking was Acting High Commissioner to London from 1958 to 1961.

George Laking was based in Washington as Ambassador to the United States from 1961 to 1967.

George Laking supported New Zealand involvement in Vietnam, and was under pressure from the US Government for New Zealand to send combat troops to the conflict.

In 1967, George Laking returned to Wellington where he succeeded McIntosh in the posts of Secretary of Foreign Affairs and as head of the Prime Minister's Department.

George Laking retired from the position of secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in October 1972 when he was replaced by Frank Corner.

George Laking was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 1969 New Year Honours.

George Laking was appointed an Ombudsman in 1975, working under Sir Guy Powles.

In 1977, George Laking succeeded Powles as Chief Ombudsman, holding that post until 1984.

George Laking was made a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George in the 1985 Queen's Birthday Honours.

George Laking chaired the government commission which recommended changes in the alcohol licensing laws.