NZ's "independent" foreign policy? Modi's Taiwan overtures? The end of petrodollars?

What is independent about NZ's independent foreign policy?  Is it myth or reality? Is it tautological? Does using the term prevent true discussion of NZ's foreign policy direction? Modi's response to a congratulatory message from Taiwan's president drew the expected protest from the PRC.  Are there meanings behind these overtures?  Saudi and US are ending a 50-year long agreement to price Saudi oil in US dollars and Saudi's commitment to use its oil revenues to purchase US Treasury bonds.  This news barely made the headlines! What are the implications?