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28 May 2012
Prime Minister to visit UK, Germany & EU, NATO
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.
The Prime Minister and Mrs Key will have dinner with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Tuesday 5 June (Wednesday NZ time). Mr Key will also be calling on the Governor of Bank of England, Dr Mervyn King.
In Brussels, Mr Key will meet NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and European Parliament President Martin Schulz. Mr Key will also launch the Friends of New Zealand Group in the European Parliament.
In Germany he will visit Hamburg and Berlin. Mr Key will meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel, deliver two keynote speeches and attend an event run by Tourism NZ. He will also meet German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle.
“As well as representing New Zealand at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, the visit will mean New Zealand can advance its bilateral relationships with the European Union, NATO, and Germany,” says Mr Key.
“The trip will also be a valuable opportunity to give me first-hand information on the issues currently confronting Europe. The European Union remains the world’s largest economic bloc, and is our third largest export market for goods, worth $5 billion.”
Mr Key will be accompanied by his wife Bronagh. They will return to New Zealand on Sunday 10 June.
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25 May 2012
Video briefing on Budget 2012
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25 May 2012
Key Notes - Investing in our future
In this issue of Key Notes, I talk about the main points in the National-led Government's fourth Budget.
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25 May 2012
Post-Budget Speech
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.
I am hugely proud of this Budget. It does what governments around the world are striving to achieve.
It gets the Government’s books back into shape, and does so in a way that continues to support New Zealanders, maintain public services and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
That’s a far cry from the measures many governments overseas have had to introduce.
At the same time, the Government is investing in the future.
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24 May 2012
Budget 2012: Investing in New Zealand’s future
“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.
“Budget 2012 confirms initiatives and good progress within these priority areas, which are vital in delivering real results for New Zealanders.
“We remain on track to return to Budget surplus in 2014/15, which will strengthen New Zealand’s economic resilience.
“Our commitment to surplus is not a single-minded goal – it’s part of our wider programme to build a more productive and competitive economy and brighter future for all New Zealanders.
“Budget 2012 makes significant progress in that programme. We are investing heavily in science and innovation, and in health and education, while also staying tough on crime,” Mr Key says.
“At the same time, we are protecting vulnerable New Zealanders through Working for Families, New Zealand Superannuation, and welfare benefits.
“However, we firmly believe that people who can work, should work. That’s why this Government is investing up-front in ambitious welfare reform – so beneficiaries are better supported and encouraged to move into work.
“We are delivering to New Zealanders on policies we clearly set out during the 2011 General Election – the next steps in our programme for a more productive and competitive economy, more jobs, and higher incomes.”
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