John Luxton
John became Chairman of the Asia New Zealand Foundation in 2015 and retired from the role in 2021.
He played an important role in growing New Zealand's people-to-people links with the region, drawing on his earlier experiences living and working in Asia.
While at the Foundation, he led delegations to several Asian countries and hosted a range of guests and sector groups from Asia in New Zealand. He led events and dialogues covering a diverse range of subject areas - including media, business and entrepreneurship and Track II (informal diplomacy), and with the Foundation's Leadership Network.
John Luxton with the Foundation's Paula McLaughlin and former arts director Jennifer King
John also oversaw some significant developments at the Foundation, including increased engagement with Te Ao Māori and the establishment of its Asia Media Centre and sports programme.
"He brought mana and warmth to all his interactions and will be remembered with great affection by contacts and friends in both New Zealand and Asia, including the Foundation's eminent Honorary Advisers in the region. His depth of experience in the region has been a real asset to New Zealand-Asia relations," Asia New Zealand Foundation chair Dame Fran Wilde says.
John (far right) at the Foundation's Honorary Advisers meeting in Kuala Lumpur in 2016
The Foundation has received many messages from throughout both Asia and New Zealand remembering John, noting his leadership, kindness, dedication and the respect he commanded in his wide-ranging roles. Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne.