Asia 2000 chief calls it a day

By Yoke Har Lee

The hunt is on for a new chief to head the Asia 2000 Foundation after the resignation of Philip Gibson.

Mr Gibson, who has spearheaded the organisation for the past 31/2 years, said that while his time at the foundation had been challenging and stimulating, it was time to move on.

It is understood he will be New Zealand's next ambassador to Japan.

Mr Gibson has extensive ties in Asia, having previously been New Zealand's ambassador to Thailand, Burma, Vietnam and Laos.

Asia 2000 is funded by the private sector and the Government. It has among its board of trustees high-profile New Zealanders such as Philip Burdon, Douglas Myers, Bob Matthew, Sir Dryden Spring and Mike Moore.