New Zealand Should Listen to Immigrant Population
New Zealand and Australia are guilty of not listening to their immigrant populations say business leaders at the launch
of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand’s (CA ANZ) latest future[inc] paper ‘Fast Forward – Leading in a
Brave New World of Diversity’.
As a consequence, both countries dilute their engagement in overseas markets which will impact on the future prosperity
of both nations.
Over 1700 business and financial leaders across New Zealand listened to a distinguished panel debate the latest paper
which was commissioned by (CA ANZ) and written by Deloitte.
Murray Jack, Chairman, CA ANZ hosted a panel comprising Andrew Hamilton, CEO, Icehouse; Dr Jo Cribb, CEO, Ministry for
Women; Tarun Kanji FAC, Director; and, Juliet Bourke, Deloitte Partner and author of the paper.
Tarun Kanji said: “We want to be active in foreign markets which for many of us are complicated. But, we don’t fully
utilise our immigrant talent at home to help us understand how to access foreign markets, and fully understand cultural
differences. This is a big lost opportunity”.
The paper examines the traits that leaders need to embrace if they are going to lead their organisations forward in an
increasingly complex and demanding world. Asia’s economic transformation, digital disruption and demographic changes
will lead to diverse markets, diverse ideas and diverse talent. To unleash the potential, leaders will have to be
inclusive and exercise six key signature traits: cognisance, curiosity, cultural intelligence, collaboration,
commitment, and courage.
Andrew Hamilton added: “Our lack of cultural intelligence will impact on our ability to trade. One big concern I have is
the lack of cultural and market intelligence on our boards … it’s poor”.
ends