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The Christchurch earthquakes have taken a huge toll on Cantabrians, but the rest of New Zealand is helping share the financial cost. When it comes to pulling together and coping with a crisis, there is no country in the world I’d rather be in than this one.

Over two years on from the most devastating February 22nd quake, the progress of the rebuild of Christchurch is gathering pace. If last year was about demolition, 2013 is certainly about rebuilding a vibrant city that all Kiwis can be proud of.

The Prime Minister talks about the Queen's Diamond Jubilee visit to New Zealand by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, next week's trip to Cambodia and Myanmar, the state of the economy both here and in the United States, and the significance of current unemployment rates.

30 October. The Prime Minister talks about the Government's new initiatives to promote the development of affordable housing - and covers off some of the less fruitful ideas recently touted by Opposition parties. To read the speech by RBNZ governor Graeme Wheeler referenced at the end of the video, visit http://www.rbnz.govt.nz/speeches/5005204.html

I'm about to head off to Los Angeles for a series of meetings with top movie and television executives in which I'll be promoting New Zealand as a great choice for major projects. The film industry in New Zealand accounts for a small but significant portion of national GDP and employment. It's the kind of industry we want and need more of to make the economy grow.

John talks about his overseas visits during the last couple of weeks, including his time at the Pacific Leaders Forum, the TPP and meeting the leaders of major economies during APEC in Russia as well as his time in Japan where he met with Prime Minister Noda and commemorated the earthquakes in Canterbury and Sendai. He's now off to the Chathams for his first visit and hopes to sample some of the legendary local fare while he's there.

Click here to watch my video briefing on this important issue.

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.

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

Click here to watch my video journal on welfare reform.

REFORMING WELFARE AND DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISES