John talks about the National-led Government's new package of reforms to laws around the use and sale of alcohol.

With students at Homai Primary School - Flickr photoset of visit to Manukau City at http://bit.ly/bvUz4X

Prime Minister John Key today announced the appointment of Maxine Simmons as one of New Zealand's three representatives on APEC's Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Maxine Simmons joins New Zealand's current representatives, Tony Nowell and Gary Judd.

Maxine Simmons has a background in biotechnology, and currently runs a company focusing on advising early-stage biotechnology ventures. She was also a founding director of Industry New Zealand, a forerunner to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

"Maxine's strong understanding of the commercialisation of science will add great value to the work of the Council," Mr Key says.

"ABAC plays a major role in stimulating support among the Asia-Pacific business community for APEC's trade and investment agenda.

"New Zealand's ABAC representatives play a valuable role, and I look forward to working closely with them in the lead-up to the APEC and ABAC meetings in Yokohama in November, and also in 2011 when the US hosts APEC," Mr Key says.

Established in 1995, ABAC's main function is to provide advice, from a business perspective, to APEC leaders each year on the implementation of APEC's work programme on trade and investment liberalisation. It reports to leaders at their annual meeting on the basis of a series of discussions held during the year.

Prime Minister John Key says that at the request of Act Party Leader Rodney Hide, he has accepted the resignation of Heather Roy as a Minister in the National-led Government.

"Mrs Roy tendered her resignation in writing to me today," says Mr Key.

"Following Mrs Roy's resignation, Mr Hide requested I advise the Governor-General to appoint John Boscawen as the second Act Party Minister, as agreed under the National-Act confidence and supply arrangement. I have done so this afternoon.

"Mr Boscawen is to be appointed Minister of Consumer Affairs.  In addition he will be Associate Minister of Commerce," says Mr Key.

"Mr Hide will be given Associate Education portfolio responsibilities, and will no longer be Associate Minister of Commerce.  There will be no Associate Minister of Defence.

"Mr Boscawen will be sworn in tomorrow by the Governor-General."

In this issue of Key Notes, I talk about what we're doing to boost the economy, lift achievement in our schools, and improve the delivery of health care. I also cover my trip to Vanuatu for the Pacific Islands Forum, the Welfare Working Group's newly released issue paper and farewelling Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell.

BOOSTING THE ECONOMY

This week I announced my pilot business scholarship scheme. Under the $1 million scheme, people can apply for up to $110,000 to study at an internationally-recognised business school. This will help Kiwi businesses grow and compete internationally.

National wants to help businesses succeed. We were elected to put New Zealand on a path to higher economic growth, and that is what we are doing. We have a comprehensive economic plan with six drivers, and we have been very busy rolling out the policies in this plan.

Our six drivers of economic growth are:

• A growth enhancing tax system
• Better, smarter public services
• Lifting education and skills
• Boosting productive infrastructure
• Better business innovation and an ambitious trade agenda
• Cutting red tape and regulations

Read a one-page summary of our six-point economic growth plan here.

LIFTING ACHIEVEMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS

Education is a critical part of National's plan to secure a brighter future for New Zealand. We want all children to get the skills they need to succeed.

That's why we introduced National Standards this year. The Standards show what Year 1 to 8 children should be able to achieve in reading, writing, and maths, and by when. They will help identify children who are falling behind. Parents will receive plain language reports on their child's progress twice a year.

Last week we announced our next steps to help those children who are falling behind. This includes investing $36 million over four years for extra resources and programmes, and moving more Ministry of Education resources to the frontline. 

Read a one-page summary on National Standards here.  

Find out what the reading and writing National Standards are for each year level here.

Find out what the mathematics National Standards are for each year level here.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST

National is putting patients first and delivering better, sooner, more convenient health care for all New Zealanders. Before the 2008 election we promised to spend more money on medicines and we have delivered on our promise.

We have boosted funding for medicines by $60 million so far, and last week Health Minister Tony Ryall announced that 250,000 more Kiwis are getting the government-subsidised medicines they need.

WORKING WITH THE PACIFIC  

Last week I was in Vanuatu for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting. The meeting was a good chance to talk about how we can work together on issues such as economic development, fisheries, trade, and climate change.

The Government is strongly committed to the Pacific region and playing our part in addressing the challenges we all face. I look forward to hosting the next forum in Auckland in September 2011.

IMPROVING OUR WELFARE SYSTEM

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett set up an independent group this year to look at our welfare system. On Monday the Welfare Working Group released its issues paper, and it will release a final report by the end of the year.   

I have a strong commitment to the safety net that welfare provides for those in genuine need. But I also believe those who can work, should.

National wants an affordable and sustainable welfare system that supports the most vulnerable and is fair to those who use it and those who pay for it. We also need a system that supports people into work.

We have introduced legislation to help make that happen. Read a one-page summary of our Future Focus reforms here.

I look forward to seeing what the Welfare Working Group comes up with in its final report later this year.

FAREWELLING A BRAVE SOLDIER

This week New Zealanders paid tribute to Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, who died while serving with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan. Tim exemplified our Defence Force's values of courage, commitment, comradeship, and integrity. His service was invaluable. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

FROM MY DIARY

Yesterday I spent the day in the Rangitikei electorate with local MP Simon Power and today I've been in Hawke's Bay. On Sunday I'll be in Auckland's Aotea Square for the Indian Independence Day celebration. I hope to see you there if you're nearby. 

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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