New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart has topped gaming magnate James Packer as the richest person in Australasia, according to Forbes Asia magazine's rich list.
Hart's net worth was calculated at $US4.7 billion ($NZ8.1 billion), well clear of Packer who reclaimed the title of richest Australian with a net worth of $US3.1 billion, the magazine reported in its May issue.
It was first time since Forbes Asia began keeping track of global fortunes that a New Zealander had emerged on top in Australasia.
According to the magazine, which described him as "the master of the leveraged buyout", Hart's net wealth dropped $US700 million in the past year, while Packer's dropped by $US2.2 billion.
Hart was well clear on Forbes Asia's New Zealand rich list, with Dubai-based brothers Christopher and Richard Chandler equal second with net worth of $US1 billion apiece.
Lynette Erceg, the widow of Independent Liquor founder Michael Erceg, was next on $US630 million while Moscow-based Stephen Jennings (co-founder of brokerage and bank Renaissance Capital), rounded out the New Zealand top-five on $US500 millino.
On the Australian rich list, Packer topped Westfield Group founder Frank Lowy ($US2.8 billino) and property magnate Harry Triguboff ($US2 billion).
