Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been named as one of the most powerful women in the world by Forbes magazine.

Topping the 100 Most Powerful Women list is German Chancellor Angela Merkel followed by leaders of major international companies.

Miss Clark, who is now head of the United Nations development programme in New York, has been named at 60 in the list.

Cristina Fernandez, president of Argentina, is named at number 11, with Sonia Gandhi president of the Indian National Congress Party at 13.

Michelle Obama, wife of US President Barack, just pips Oprah Winfrey at 40.

Hillary Clinton, US Secretary of State, is at 36 in the list.

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