Exhibit 99.1

(JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES N.V. LOGO)

       
27 August 2003   James Hardie Industries N.V
    ARBN 097 829 895
    Incorporated in The Netherlands
    The liability of members is limited
 
The Manager   Level 3, 22 Pitt Street
Company Announcements Office   SYDNEY NSW 2000
Australian Stock Exchange Limited    
20 Bridge Street   Telephone: (+612) 8274 5274
SYDNEY NSW 2000   Fax: (+612) 8274 5217
 
    GPO Box 3935
    Sydney NSW 2001 Australia

     Dear Sir

     Ms Sanneke Parabirsing has resigned from her role as Company Secretary effective from 27 August 2003.

     Yours faithfully

Peter J Shafron

     Peter J Shafron

     Company Secretary