World Banker to Head Asia:NZ

World Banker to Head Asia:NZ

John Austin, a New Zealander currently working as an Executive Director of the World Bank in Washington, has been appointed to succeed Christopher Butler as head of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Mr Butler is stepping down from the position in mid July after three and a half years to pursue private interests. Mr Austin will take up the role in October, with Asia:NZ’s Deputy Executive Director Adele Mason acting in the interim.

Prior to his appointment at the World Bank, Mr Austin had a career in senior positions in banking including six years as an alternate Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank located in Manila, Philippines. He was formerly also Director of the MBA Programme at Canterbury University. His work has included wide contact with Asian countries over the last 10 years.

“I am delighted that Mr Austin will be taking up the Executive Director role with Asia New Zealand Foundation”, said the Foundation’s Chairman Sir Dryden Spring. “His wide business, academic and Asian experience, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Asia New Zealand Foundation in pursuit of its goal of developing New Zealand’s relationship with the countries of the Asian region. A goal that is absolutely central to New Zealand’s future and its participation in the Asia Pacific community.”

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is committed to building New Zealand’s links with the countries and peoples of Asia. It is funded by both public and private sector contributors. It has become well known through a comprehensive range of activities including the Lantern and Diwali festival events and for the 2003 “Seriously Asia” project, and its active in building educational, business, cultural and policy links throughout the Asian region.

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