I was glad to hear of the appointment of former All Black (and current New Zealand Rugby union President) Bryan Williams and renowned journalist Richard Long onto the Asia:NZ Foundation Board of Trustees yesterday.
As a Chinese-born MP (and Asia:NZ Trustee) I believe these two appointments reinforce the importance that the Asian region has to the future of New Zealand.
The pair brings a wealth of experience and history of excellence with them.
Bryan Williams was one of the first Samoans to play for the All Blacks, paving the way for the many who have followed him.
Richard Long was the editor of the Dominion newspaper for more than a decade before it merged with the Evening Post in 2002. Earlier this year he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Journalism.
The Asia:NZ Foundation’s mission goal is to increase New Zealand’s links with Asia through business, culture, education, research and media.
With these two high-calibre Trustees joining the board, I believe that even more New Zealanders will become aware of Asia and the opportunities that exist in the region.