Rt Hon John Key

PM encourages applications to Canterbury Fund

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:35:07 +1200

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.

Mr Key is visiting The Muse Community Music Trust at Wainoni School today - an after-school music programme which received $10,000 for new musical instruments in the Fund’s first round of grants.

“Grassroots organisations like The Muse are local hubs and bring communities together – and they’re particularly valuable for the children in Christchurch’s east, many of whom have had their homes and schools damaged and extra-curricular activities disrupted.

“Those community groups in Christchurch which work with young people, and want to keep making a difference, are encouraged to apply to the Fund during its second round of grants, which opens on May 28.”

The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund will award grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000 to grassroots organisations, with an emphasis on youth-focused projects and capital or infrastructure projects.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal was launched by Mr Key, and is the Government’s official, global fundraiser for the recovery effort for Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

The Trust has committed funds of around $43 million to a variety of projects, including the Re:Start container mall in Cashel Street, the new Christchurch Stadium and the Court Theatre. Over $50 million remains to be allocated, with the Trust intending to disburse the majority during 2012.

For more information or to donate, go to http://christchurchappealtrust.org.nz/

Key Notes: Working on the Budget

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:27:27 +1200

This issue of Key Notes outlines some of our planning for Budget 2012, covers our new reforms to the welfare system, discusses spending for both tertiary education and our programme to reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities - and touches on a few events from my diary.
Continue reading "Key Notes: Working on the Budget"

09 May - Video Journal No.5

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:05:26 +1200

09 May. In this edition of his regular video journal, John talks about the tourism industry, Budget 2012, our campaign to eradicate rheumatic fever, welfare reforms and more.

Post-Cabinet Announcement

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:18:05 +1200

07 May. Prime Minister John Key and Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announce $287.5 million in extra funding over the next four years for the first phase of the Government's welfare reforms to help more New Zealanders into work, The announcement is followed by extensive Q&A with media. For more, including a PDF containing Q@A from the Ministry, see http://www.national.org.nz/Article.aspx?ArticleID=38443 For more on the Government's welfare reform programme, see http://www.national.org.nz/welfare-reforms.aspx

Budget 2012 – sticking to a plan that’s working

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:39:42 +1200

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.

“The Government will continue to spend in priority areas. This Budget will protect and grow areas of public spending that are important in delivering real results to New Zealanders.”

“We’ll announce a range of initiatives as part of Budget 2012 that will show that we are getting things done while still staying on course to return to surplus.”

Mr Key said the Government is taking the same moderate and balanced approach it has to its three previous Budgets.

“We have constantly reprioritised spending towards things that work and we also have a firm focus on results rather than just inputs.

“Budget 2012 will continue that approach – and for the first time since the global financial crisis and the worldwide recession, the Government’s books are set to be in the black in 2014/15.”

“Returning to surplus means we can start reducing debt. That is no small achievement. It has taken a combination of disciplined fiscal policy and a willingness to make trade-offs. We have had a plan to rebuild and strengthen the country, we have stuck to it and it is working.”

Mr Key said there will be an overall increase for health and education in the Budget, although savings will also be made within these areas. The savings will be reinvested back into frontline services.

“There will be an upfront investment in welfare reform – we are going to spend money on supporting beneficiaries into work but we expect that this will be more than recouped over the forecast period through a lower welfare roll.

“We will also spend some more on science and innovation, as we promised at the election, to help build the research and innovation base of the economy.”

Mr Key said the Government’s overall spend on tertiary education will be rebalanced in Budget 2012.

“The Government remains committed to keeping student loans interest free but we are also determined to reduce the cost of the overall loan scheme to taxpayers.

“Savings will be reinvested in improving teaching and research within our universities and other tertiary institutions.

“Budget 2012 will reflect the Government’s four priorities of responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more productive and competitive economy, delivering better public services, and supporting the rebuilding of Christchurch.”

Pre-Budget Speech to Business New Zealand

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:39:07 +1200

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.

We don’t have the final forecasts through from Treasury yet, but we have enough headroom now to be sure that there will be a surplus in that year.

It might not be the world’s biggest surplus, on current forecasts. But in 2014/15, for the first time since the global financial crisis and the worldwide recession, the Government’s books will be back in the black.

That’s a testament to disciplined fiscal policy and a willingness to make trade-offs.

As you know, this year will see our second zero Budget.

Continue reading "Pre-Budget Speech to Business New Zealand"

Speech to National Party Mainland Regional Conference

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 10:45:18 +1200

Ladies and Gentlemen, fellow National Party members, welcome to the Mainland Region conference for 2012.

It’s a pleasure to be here in Dunedin at this great new stadium. What an asset it was during the Rugby World Cup, and continues to be.

I’m proud to be here as leader of this great Party – the National Party.

And I’m proud to be here as your Prime Minister.

I’d like to thank you all for being here today.

You are loyal National Party members and you make this Party strong.

It is because of you that National is in government today.

It’s now five months since we won the support of New Zealanders to lead this country for a second term.

On election day last year over a million New Zealanders voted for our clear plan to build a brighter future.

Kiwis said yes to more jobs and less debt.

They said yes to reforming welfare and raising achievement in schools.

They said yes to our tough stance on crime.

And they said yes to our comprehensive plan to build a more competitive economy.

Last election we achieved the highest party vote share ever seen under MMP – 47.3 per cent.

And we lifted that vote from a position of being in government – that’s a great achievement.
Fellow National Party members, we couldn’t have done it without you.

From the volunteers right through to our candidates, we ran a well-funded, well-directed campaign that won the support of New Zealanders.

Continue reading "Speech to National Party Mainland Regional Conference"

PM saddened at death of All Black great Sir Fred Allen

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:23:59 +1200

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.

“I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Fred,” says Mr Key.

“He was a great New Zealander, and one who richly deserved the honours bestowed on him.”

Progress towards our plan for a Brighter Future

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:22:37 +1200

In this edition of Key Notes, I talk about my recent visits to Indonesia and Singapore, the larger effort to promote NZ 'Inc' overseas, the upcoming budget as a reflection of our priorities, Anzac Day - and a few things from my diary.

Continue reading "Progress towards our plan for a Brighter Future"

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

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:08:32 +1200

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.

"St John has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders over the course of its 127-year history,” says Mr Key.

“Its staff played a vital role in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, being among the first emergency services to respond to the devastating and life-threatening situations which shook the city.

"Since the first earthquake in September 2010, St John has suffered about $3 million worth of damage to its equipment and technology, so the grant from the Appeal goes a long way to bringing the emergency service back up to full operational capacity."

St John is using the grant to replace and repair equipment lost or damaged during the earthquakes, which will ensure it is well-placed to respond if another large emergency event strikes the region.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal was launched by Mr Key, and is the Government’s official, global fundraiser for the recovery effort for Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

The Trust has committed funds of around $42 million to a variety of projects, including the Re:Start container mall in Cashel Street, the new Christchurch Stadium and the Court Theatre. Over $50 million remains to be allocated, with the Trust intending to disburse the majority during 2012.

For more information or to donate, go to http://christchurchappealtrust.org.nz/

Director of Security reappointed

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:07:59 +1200

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.

“Dr Tucker has continued to improve the way the Service conducts its business and the Service’s protective security function,” says Mr Key.

“I am pleased Dr Tucker has agreed to remain in office for a further term.”

Dr Tucker’s current term of office will end on 31 October 2012, by which time he will have completed six years in the position.

PM sends Breakers best wishes for the game

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:23:56 +1200

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.

“While I can’t be at Vector Arena I will make sure I am kept up to date with the score during the evening.

“Good luck and play hard. Thousands of cheering Kiwis will be doing their best to encourage you to keep the trophy on this side of the Tasman.”

Video Journal No.4

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:01:45 +1200

23 April 2012. Prime Minister John Key talks about his just-completed trips to Indonesia and Singapore, with emphasis on the trade potential between New Zealand and those two powerful economies. This is Anzac week and the PM will be attending services in Auckland and Wellington. On the weekend, the PM will be attending the first of the National Party conferences in Dunedin.

Post-Cabinet Press Conference

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:17:00 +1200

The Prime Minister's post-Cabinet press conference with full media Q&A.

PM announces new initiatives with Indonesia

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 20:10:02 +1200

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.

“These agreements will give Indonesians the opportunity to benefit from New Zealand's expertise in key areas, while also reinforcing people-to-people relationships between the two countries,” says Mr Key.

“A programme of cooperation in geothermal energy will provide increased commercial opportunities for New Zealand businesses to assist Indonesia with its energy development programme.

“New Zealand has a strong track record of geothermal work with Indonesia, including educating more than 100 of the country's geothermal engineers. This agreement will build from that solid foundation, enhancing government-level collaboration and private-sector activity.

“I'm also pleased to announce the Government will be appointing an additional Trade Commissioner to the region, adding extra impetus to building business links between Indonesia and New Zealand.

“Business leaders have reinforced the case for increasing New Zealand’s representation in Indonesia. Currently the responsibility for Indonesia is managed by New Zealand's Malaysia-based Trade Commissioner,” says Mr Key.

New Zealand's world-leading expertise in agriculture will be put to use in training dairy technicians, farmers and breeding centre staff, as well as training Indonesia's agriculture ministry officials in areas like quarantine and agricultural trade negotiations.

Government-to-government cooperation in labour and environment will create opportunities to promote New Zealand technology and services relating to environmental protection and conservation. These two agreements also recognise that labour and environment regulations and practices should not be weakened to encourage trade or investment, nor used for trade protectionist purposes.

The agriculture, environment and labour agreements are designed to sit alongside the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which came into force for Indonesia in January 2012.

Mr Key is in Indonesia on a three-date state visit, accompanied by Trade Minister Tim Groser and a 26-strong business delegation from New Zealand.