The aim of this research is to determine the effects of size on the behaviour of aid donors, and the reasons why they donate aid. It is proposed that small aid donors will have different reasons for giving aid from large donors. This proposal is examined in a case study of the foreign aid policy of one small state - New Zealand. The thesis consists of three sections. The first is theoretical, and formulates a set of hypotheses proposing reasons why a small state might donate aid. It shows the particular interest areas which would be emphasized by a small state's aid policy. The second section is a case study of New Zealand's development assistance to South East Asia. The results of the case study disprove some of the original hypotheses, and suggest that the first section overlooked some factor which may influence a small state's aid policy. The third and concluding section explains the unexpected results of the case study. It is found that a small state's size has considerably more influence on its aid policy than was first expected, as a result of the limited resources available for the implementation of an aid programme. In the light of these findings, a new model is established which fully acknowledges the influence of size on a small state's aid policy.