Portfolio: Prime Minister

Prime Minister to visit UK, Germany & EU, NATO

Beehive — Mon, 28 May 2012 03:49:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key will be visiting the United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium from 2 to 8 June. The visit will include three days in London, as well as time in Hamburg, Berlin, and Brussels, where Mr Key will meet with European Parliament representatives and NATO. While in London, Mr Key will attend the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. ...

Key Notes: Investing in our future

Beehive — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:51:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Click here to watch my video briefing on Budget 2012 Yesterday Bill English delivered National's fourth Budget. Our Budget is responsible and sensible, given the world economic climate, and it addresses some of the major issues that we're facing as a country. ...

Key Notes - Investing in our future

Beehive — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:50:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Post-Budget Speech to Trans-Tasman Business Circle

Admin — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:36:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Thank you for hosting me again, for what has become my regular post-Budget speech. Yesterday was Bill English’s fourth Budget and again he has done a remarkable job of managing the Government’s books while continuing to maintain the trust and support of New Zealanders in these difficult times. I also want to acknowledge the support and constructive involvement of the ACT, United Future and Maori Parties, who are all supporting this Budget, as they have supported the previous three. ...

Budget 2012: Investing in New Zealand’s future

Admin — Thu, 24 May 2012 03:12:00 +0000

John Key | Budget 2012

Budget 2012 invests in New Zealand’s future with significantly more money for science and innovation, and health and education, while keeping the Government on track for surplus in 2014/15, Prime Minister John Key says. “Our priorities are responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more productive economy, delivering better public services within tight financial constraints, and rebuilding Christchurch. ...

Prime Minister to welcome US Marines to NZ

Beehive — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:07:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key will next month welcome United States Marines to New Zealand to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US World War II forces to this country. Next month marks 70 years since the large-scale arrival of United States forces in New Zealand in June 1942, following the entry of the United States into the Second World War. A series of events are planned to help mark the anniversary. ...

PM encourages applications to Canterbury Fund

Beehive — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:32:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation. “The Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return their lives to normal,” says Mr Key. ...

Budget 2012

Beehive — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:00:00 +0000

John Key | Finance

Budget 2012 - Special Feature The Government is firmly focused on rebuilding and strengthening the economy to get back to surplus by 2014/15. Budget 2012 sets out the next steps we’re taking to meet this commitment. Budget 2012 invests in New Zealand’s future with significantly more money for science and innovation, health, and education, while keeping the Government on track for surplus in 2014/15. ...

Key Notes: Working on the Budget

Beehive — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:56:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Click here to watch my latest video journal ...

Budget 2012 – sticking to a plan that’s working

Beehive — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:34:00 +0000

John Key | Budget 2012

Prime Minister John Key says this month’s Budget will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan. In a pre-Budget speech in Wellington, Mr Key reiterated that the National-led Government’s responsible management of the books means an operating surplus is set to be posted in 2014/15. “This year will see another zero Budget as we chart a course back to surplus,” Mr Key said. ...

Pre-Budget Speech to Business New Zealand

Beehive — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:33:00 +0000

John Key | Budget 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen. Good afternoon and thank you for coming to this pre-Budget speech. I want to thank Business New Zealand for hosting this event today. And I want to thank them for the very constructive role they play in representing New Zealand businesses and employers. Budget 2012 will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan. As Bill English said in a speech a few days ago, we are set to post an operating surplus in 2014/15. ...

PM saddened at death of All Black great Sir Fred Allen

Beehive — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:20:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key says he is saddened to hear of the death of All Black legend Sir Fred Allen, who was knighted in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Sir Fred was born in Oamaru, educated in Christchurch, and served overseas with the 2nd NZEF during World War 2. After the war he played for Auckland, and then the All Blacks from 1946 to 1949. He went on to coach Auckland and then the All Blacks from 1966 to 1968, winning all 14 tests during that period. Sir Fred was 92 when he died, and was the oldest living All Black. ...

Key Notes: Progress towards our plan for a Brighter Future

Beehive — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:37:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Click here to watch my latest video journal on YouTube. Visiting Indonesia and Singapore Last week I was in Indonesia and Singapore working to grow our economic and other opportunities in the region. ...

Appeal’s $2.8m donation a boost to St John

Admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:06:00 +0000

John Key | Canterbury Earthquake Recovery

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal's donation of $2.8 million to St John has enabled the charity to rebuild its emergency response resources after the series of earthquakes which damaged Christchurch, Prime Minister John Key said today. On a tour of St John's new South Island headquarters in Orchard Road, Mr Key was shown the vehicles and equipment - including ambulances, defibrillators and medical supplies - the donation has helped the charity to purchase. ...

Director of Security reappointed

Beehive — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:05:00 +0000

John Key | NZ Security Service

Prime Minister John Key today announced the reappointment of Dr Warren Tucker as Director of Security at the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. Dr Tucker has been appointed for a further 18-month term from 1 November 2012. Mr Key says the reappointment will provide leadership continuity for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service. “Dr Tucker is a career intelligence officer. His professionalism is respected and highly regarded by the intelligence and security communities in New Zealand and internationally. ...

PM sends Breakers best wishes for the game

Beehive — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:20:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key is sending his best wishes to the Breakers for their ANBL grand final tonight. “At one game each it will be a battle of epic proportions, particularly with the history between the two teams,” say Mr Key. After the Breakers won the first game of the three game series, the Perth Wildcats levelled the series last week with an 87-86 win “That one point loss last week in Perth is powerful motivation.” The New Zealand Breakers tip off against the Perth Wildcats at 7.30 tonight in Auckland. ...

PM announces new initiatives with Indonesia

Beehive — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:05:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Trade Minister Tim Groser at signing of MOU with Indonesian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Jero Wacik. Also attending, Prime Minister John Key and Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Photo courtesy of New Zealand Embassy, Jakarta. Prime Minister John Key today announced a suite of new agreements between Indonesia and New Zealand, which will complement and strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Trade Minister Tim Groser and his Indonesian Ministerial counterparts today signed four agreements covering cooperation in agriculture, environment, labour and geothermal energy. ...

Address to New Zealand Indonesia Business Seminar - Jakarta

Beehive — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:34:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Selamat pagi. Tena koe. Good morning. It’s a great pleasure to be here in Indonesia and it’s a great pleasure to be addressing this distinguished gathering of Indonesian and New Zealand business. This is my first visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister. But like the rest of the world I have been watching your country with admiration. Your progress in the 21st Century has been extraordinary. ...

Chinese senior leader to visit New Zealand

Beehive — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:43:00 +0000

Bill English | Prime Minister

The fourth-ranked Chinese leader, Jia Qinglin, will arrive in New Zealand on Sunday for a four day visit to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Chairman Jia, who will be hosted in New Zealand by Acting Prime Minister Bill English, is chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. ...

Vietnamese deputy leader to visit

Beehive — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Bill English | Prime Minister

Vietnam Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will visit New Zealand for bilateral and business meetings over the next few days. Mr Phuc, who arrives in New Zealand on Saturday, is to meet with the Governor General, Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, Acting Prime Minister Bill English, Justice Minister Judith Collins, Education Minister Hekia Parata, Attorney General Chris Finlayson, and Foreign Minister Murray McCully. ...

Trade, investment focus of Leadership Forum

Beehive — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:39:00 +0000

Bill English | Prime Minister

Acting Prime Minister Bill English will lead New Zealand’s ministerial delegation to the annual Australian New Zealand Leadership Forum in Sydney, which starts tomorrow. He will be accompanied by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully, Trade Minister Tim Groser and Commerce Minister Craig Foss. The eighth Forum, which brings together senior politicians and business leaders from both countries, starts tomorrow night and concludes on Friday. ...

Acting PM pays tribute to Sir Peter Tapsell

Beehive — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:14:00 +0000

Bill English | Prime Minister

Acting Prime Minister Bill English has paid tribute to Sir Peter Tapsell, who passed away in Ruatoria on Thursday night. “I was saddened to learn of Sir Peter’s death and my thoughts are with his family at this time,” Mr English said. “As the first Maori Speaker of Parliament in 1993, Sir Peter’s considered and dignified manner was a positive influence on a tense Parliament preparing for the first MMP election. “He was respected by MPs across the political spectrum for his independent, thoughtful and direct style. ...

Key Notes: Special Edition on Youth Mental Health Package

Beehive — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:50:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Click here to watch my special video on the Youth Mental Health Package ...

Key Notes: Special Edition on Youth Mental Health Package

Beehive — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:48:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Click here to watch my special video on the Youth Mental Health Package ...

Hong Kong CE to visit NZ exporters

Beehive — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:26:00 +0000

Bill English | Prime Minister

Acting Prime Minister Bill English has announced that Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang will visit New Zealand exporters as well as meet our Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Trade next week. “Mr Tsang is arriving in Auckland on Tuesday to discuss two-way trade and other bilateral issues and to learn about innovations in the export sector. “He is particularly interested in Auckland’s waterfront revitalisation, in light of Hong Kong’s plans to upgrade its waterfront,” says Mr English. ...

Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project

Beehive — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 01:29:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project John Key and the National-led Government are passionate about the future of New Zealand’s young people. Since 2008 we have taken a number of steps to improve the opportunities available to young people, to help keep them on the right track and succeed in the modern world. Our initiatives include: ...

PM unveils Youth Mental Health package

Beehive — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today unveiled a package of initiatives to ensure young people with mental health problems receive better, faster, and more modern help. In a speech in Wellington, Mr Key said the $62 million package was the result of intensive work led by his own department, following an important report from Chief Science Advisor Professor Sir Peter Gluckman. “I’m proud the National-led Government has taken several steps to improve the opportunities available to young people in this country over the past three years,” Mr Key said. ...

Speech to Auckland University Youth Health & Wellbeing Symposium

Admin — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:51:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Good morning, it’s great to be here. I’d like to acknowledge my Chief Science Advisor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, and the many other youth health experts here today. It’s a privilege for me to be here with so many people who are committed to the health and wellbeing of our young people. Thank you for the work that you do. I share your passion for the future of our young New Zealanders. As I travel around New Zealand, the energy and enthusiasm of the vast majority of our young people makes me hugely optimistic for our country. ...

PM announces appointment to ABAC

Beehive — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:41:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has appointed Wayne Boyd to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) for a three-year term. Mr Boyd is a former professional director with extensive merchant banking and legal experience. He currently chairs a number of company boards and is the former chairman of Telecom New Zealand Limited. “Mr Boyd's extensive business, banking and legal experience stands him in good stead to be an active and effective contributor to ABAC's work,” says Mr Key. ...

PM to travel to Indonesia and Singapore

Beehive — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 03:52:00 +0000

John Key | Prime Minister

Growing two-way trade and strengthening people-to-people links will be the focus of Prime Minister John Key’s visit to Indonesia and Singapore later this month. Mr Key, accompanied by Trade Minister Tim Groser in Indonesia, will lead a 26–strong business delegation to both countries. ...