On March 10, 1969, controlling interest in the near-bankrupt Industrial Equity, Ltd (I. E. L.) managed by Gulf Oil-linked New Zealander Ron Brierly is allegedly purchased by Australasian and Pacific Holdings, Inc. agents Colby and Parsky through Mellon Bank and Pittsburgh National Bank.

Gulf Oil associate Bob Seldon, reportedly a consultant for Australasian and Pacific Holdings, Inc., allegedly helps ex-Air America pilot Michael Hand reorganize I. E. L. The new I. E. L. board established on July 24 includes Hand, Seldon, Brierly, and Brierly associates Frank Nugan and Bob Jones, both of whom are appointed consultants to Australasian and Pacific Holdings, Inc. Brierly and Jones are principals in the Brierly/Jones Investments real estate partnership.

J. C. Fletcher is appointed chairman of British Petroleum (N. Z. )

Fraser becomes Australia’s minister for defense in 1969.

New Zealand adopts the metric system in 1969.