Don Brash MP
National Party Leader

1 November 2005

National Party Leader Don Brash today named Wayne Eagleson, currently Transpower’s general manager, public affairs, as his new chief of staff.

“Mr Eagleson will bring to the position exceptional skills, both in politics and public affairs, and a thorough knowledge of the National Party and its policies,” Dr Brash says.

Mr Eagleson, 41, is expected to take up the position in mid-November. He replaces Richard Long, who is standing down.

Dr Brash says Mr Eagleson is an experienced senior manager and public affairs practitioner with expertise in reputation management and stakeholder relations after nearly 20 years in politics and in major corporates.

“His background is eminently suited to moulding together the National Leader’s Office team to focus National’s drive to take back the Treasury benches from a tired and discredited Labour Government,” Dr Brash says.

Mr Eagleson, who has degrees in law, political science and history, began his career in the National Party research unit in Parliament, going on to work as a private secretary for then Opposition leader Jim Bolger. He was campaign director during National’s successful 1993 election campaign.

Moving to the private sector, Mr Eagleson gained experience in public affairs companies and then handled public affairs for DB Breweries, Westpac and Transpower.

Mr Eagleson says he is looking forward to the challenging position.

ENDS

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