Strong NZ representation at ANZ Leadership Forum

[UNCLASSIFIED]

 
19 August 2009

Press statement

Strong NZ representation at ANZ Leadership Forum

A strong New Zealand delegation is set to attend the sixth Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum in Sydney on 21 and 22 August, New Zealand’s Forum co-chairman John Allen announced today.

Economic development, the Australia and New Zealand Single Economic Market (SEM), ways to further streamline trans-Tasman travel, defence and climate change are on the agenda.

“These are key areas of concern and opportunity to government and business in both countries, and I am very happy with the high-calibre New Zealand delegation engaging in these discussions at the Forum.

“With a very senior business delegation and key people from the public sector, we are well-placed to contribute productively to dialogue on issues important to the trans-Tasman relationship.

“It is very positive that the Forum will have several government ministers and opposition members from both sides of the Tasman attending. I look forward to their contribution to discussions,” John Allen said.

The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum is an annual non-government invite-only event held under Chatham House rules.

Australia and New Zealand alternate the hosting of the Forum. The first meeting was held in New Zealand in 2004.

John Allen is Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade CEO (former New Zealand Post CE) and Australia’s Rod McGeoch is Sky City Entertainment group Chairman.

Ends

© Scoop Media