Andrew Thorburn appointed Chair of Australia NZ Forum

Andrew Thorburn appointed Chair of Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum

The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) has appointed BNZ CEO Andrew Thorburn to the role of New Zealand Co-Chair to replace Jonathan Ling who steps down after his two-and-a-half year tenure.

ANZLF is a business-led initiative to further develop the Australian and New Zealand bilateral relationship as well as joint relations in the region.

Mr Thorburn says the Forum is a successful symbol of trans-Tasman togetherness which allows business, government and community leaders to better leverage the extraordinary opportunities available both in Australasia and in emerging markets such as Asia.

“New Zealand and Australia are privileged countries – we have enviable resources, excellent governance, our companies are well structured, and our banking systems are strong. As leaders, it is our responsibility to challenge ourselves to become higher achieving countries and I’m proud to be able to contribute to this worthy goal.”

Mr Thorburn’s appointment has been endorsed by the New Zealand Government and was announced at the Forum yesterday in Sydney. This year’s meeting attracted more than 100 senior government, business and community leaders from both countries and focused on how both countries can take full advantage of the opportunities in Asia, as well as identifying issues to be addressed in the bilateral relationship.

In his role, Mr Thorburn will work with the Australian Co-Chair Rod McGeoch AM to lead the ANZLF Policy Group, liaising with Government Ministers and officials on key issues.

BNZ has strong ties with the Forum, with former BNZ Chairman Kerry McDonald fulfilling the ANZLF New Zealand Chair role from 2004 to 2006.

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