The thesis examines Western Samoa and its bilateral relationship with New Zealand. The historical association of the two countries is considered, but the main focus is on the contemporary relationship, with specific mention of aid, trade and investment, and migration patterns and policies. Small state theory provides a framework for the study. Western Samoa is found to be a 'typical ' small developing state in all but one characteristic – its dependency on a single larger country is not as pronounced as could be expected. The relationship between Western Samoa and New Zealand also, conforms to the theories (those of small state - large state relationships), although it is somewhat unusual in that it exemplifies Morrison and Suhrke's partial linkage paradigm - a virtually non-existent entity according to the authors. New Zealand, while apparently wishing to assist the economic and social development of the Western Samoan people, is shown to be somewhat hindered in the achievement of this objective by its failure (1) to establish clear priorities between Western Samoa's and its own development needs, and (2) to integrate, and assess the overlapping effects of, the various aspects of its relationship with Western Samoa.