NZ business virtual no-show at forum

By GREG ANSLEY

MELBOURNE - New Zealand business missed its biggest chance in years by virtually ignoring the World Economic Forum in Melbourne.

New Zealand's 10-strong business delegation was one of the smallest of the more than 30 countries represented.

It was smaller than distant and poorer countries like Poland and Russia.

Only four business leaders registered as delegates, ASB Bank managing director, Ralph Norris, NZ Post chief executive Elmar Toime, Accident Compensation chief executive Gary Watson and PriceWaterhouseCoopers chairman Robin Hill.

The other New Zealand delegates were political or departmental, including Treasurer Michael Cullen, expected to make only a brief appearance, National finance spokesman Bill English, Treasury Secretary Alan Bollard, and trade development board chief executive officer Fran Wilde.

The summit brought together about 75 business leaders, including the heads or senior officers of most of Australia's largest corporations.

US representation included Vincom, Microsoft, Sun MicroSystems and Goldman Sachs.

The event also attracted senior ministers, officials and diplomats from more than 20 countries.