19 November, 2009
This week, the National-led Government marks its first year in office. In this issue of Key Notes, I look back on our achievements so far and look forward to the hard work ahead.
Read full newsletter >>6 November, 2009
This week I look for whales, announce a funding boost for tourism, update you on the latest actions we're taking on violent crime, and report on my visit to Asia.
Read full newsletter >>23 October, 2009
I had fun this morning meeting the children at Glen Taylor School in Auckland with Education Minister Anne Tolley. We were there to launch National Education Standards in reading, writing, and maths.
Read full newsletter >>9 October, 2009
In this issue I talk about our new action plan to tackle P, and I report on my visit to Samoa after the tsunami, and my trip to New York for the 64th United Nations General Assembly.
Read full newsletter >>25 September, 2009
We're having a very busy week in New York.
Read full newsletter >>28 August, 2009
Many parents get their children involved in school holiday activities. Things like sports training, lifesaving courses, kapa haka programmes, or karate workshops.
Read full newsletter >>14 August, 2009
Often, politics can seem like a tug-of-war. And once in a while it actually is.
Read full newsletter >>4 August, 2009
18- to 24-year-olds are the fastest growing age group on the Unemployment Benefit. They represent about a third of all those who receive it. The number who want to work but can't get a job has more than quadrupled in the past year from 4000 to 17,000.
Read full newsletter >>17 July, 2009
We had a busy but successful trip to Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands last week - and our delegation had some very useful meetings with government and business leaders in the region.
Read full newsletter >>3 July, 2009
I had a great time yesterday visiting the Tamaki Transformation Programme in Auckland and meeting pupils from Pt England School.
Read full newsletter >>19 June, 2009
It was great to see so many school rugby captains - girls and boys - from secondary schools around Wellington at the parliamentary reception for the French team and the All Blacks on Monday.
Read full newsletter >>9 June, 2009
The 2009 Budget gets New Zealand on the road to recovery. It puts in place policies to ensure our economy emerges strongly from the recession and provides a platform for strong growth, higher incomes, and quality public services.
22 May, 2009
In recent years, many new mothers have told me how much difficulty they've had getting quality care before and after giving birth. Some feel they have been pressured into leaving hospital with their babies before they are ready. Others have not got the support they felt they needed.
Read full newsletter >>8 May, 2009
I know that things are hard for many of you at the moment. You may be worried about your job or the jobs of your friends or loved ones.
Read full newsletter >>23 April, 2009
Today I announced that the Government is extending the Job Support Scheme to include medium-sized businesses with 50 to 100 workers.
Read full newsletter >>9 April, 2009
One of the best things about my job is the huge variety of things I get to do, and the huge variety of people (and animals) I get to spend time with.
26 March, 2009
Every day that I am on the road, I talk to people who are concerned about the economy and what the future holds.
Read full newsletter >>12 March, 2009
I've enjoyed reading your comments about the Job Summit. It was a really useful day and it sparked some great ideas. Now we're focusing on putting the best of these into action.
Read full newsletter >>26 February, 2009
Every now and then I get to do something that is really special, something that brings home just how lucky most of us are and how amazing this country can be.
Read full newsletter >>23 January, 2009
New Zealand's relationship with the United States is very strong. We're looking forward to working closely with President Obama's new administration and hopefully concluding a Free Trade Agreement with the US, which is important for New Zealand and our economy.
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