/taxonomy/term/601/0 en /war/new-zealand-forces-in-asia/nz-military-involvement <p> Britain's loss of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942 was the largest surrender in British military history and its greatest defeat since it lost its colonies in the American War of Independence. This defeat seriously undermined New Zealand's confidence in Britain to protect the far flung parts of its Empire. </p> <p> A vulnerable New Zealand began to look elsewhere for its security. </p> Asia 1948-72 anzus asia pakeha-maori seato united nations Thu, 01 Jan 1970 12:00:00 +1200 929 at http://www.nzhistory.net.nz