Displaying 1 - 24 of 67 results.

Prime Minister John Key has announced the election of National’s new whips following the National Party Caucus this morning.

Mr Key says the new senior whip will be MP for Hamilton West, Tim Macindoe. He was formerly junior whip and replaces Louise Upston, who is now a Minister outside Cabinet.

The junior whip will be MP for Botany, Jami-Lee Ross, who steps up from third whip.

The third whip will be List MP Jo Hayes.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today announced the creation of a new role of Minister for National Security and Intelligence as part of wider changes to the way the security and intelligence area is governed.

“The security and intelligence sector has been undergoing significant change at agency and operational level,” Mr Key says.

“It makes sense for us to also take a fresh look at how the governance of the sector is structured.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today announced the National-led Government’s new Ministry as it prepares to begin its third term in office.

“There is a lot of work ahead to continue implementing our plans to build a stronger economy, reduce debt and create more jobs,” Mr Key says.

“The new Ministry builds on the experience of the past two terms in office, and combines experience with some fresh talent.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key tonight corrected misinformation that has been put in the public domain concerning the operations of the Government Communications Security Bureau.

“Claims have been made tonight that are simply wrong and that is because they are based on incomplete information,” Mr Key says.

“There is not, and never has been, a cable access surveillance programme operating in New Zealand.

“There is not, and never has been, mass surveillance of New Zealanders undertaken by the GCSB.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key says he stands by his statements that he did not know about Dotcom until the day before the raid took place on his property in January 2012.

An alleged email has surfaced today from 27 October 2010 between WarnerBros Kevin Tsujihara and MPAA’s Mike Ellis which has been discredited by both parties.

“The conversation allegedly reported on in the email did not take place,” Mr Key says.

“People will see this for what it is.”

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today announced the establishment of a Government Inquiry into allegations regarding Hon Judith Collins and a former Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Adam Feeley.

“I have determined that a full and proper Government Inquiry with full powers of inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2013 is the most appropriate course of action.”

Former High Court Judge Hon Lester Chisholm will conduct the inquiry.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today announced the Government will contribute $2 million to Stadium Southland, fulfilling an undertaking he made when he officially opened the rebuilt facility in May this year.

“When I opened the stadium earlier this year, I said the Government would be prepared to help the Southland community with a contribution to reduce the rebuilt stadium’s funding shortfall,” Mr Key says.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today announced further details on the inquiry into matters concerning former Minister Judith Collins.

“As I indicated yesterday, I intend to appoint a Government Inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2013 to investigate allegations that Ms Collins undermined the then Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Adam Feeley, during her time as Minister of Police with responsibility for the Serious Fraud Office,” Mr Key says.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key today announced that Hon Judith Collins has resigned from Cabinet.

Mr Key says the resignation of Ms Collins followed the receipt of new information that raises allegations about Ms Collins’ conduct as a Minister.

“The relationship between a Minister and their Chief Executive is vital, and goes right to the heart of a trusted, effective government.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key today announced the Government’s Tourism Growth Partnership (TGP) is investing in two further organisations in order to grow the tourism sector in New Zealand.

The TGP is investing $600,000 in the Canterbury Tourism Partnership to support the rebuild of the tourism sector in the Canterbury region, and $50,000 to China Travel Service NZ Ltd.

  • John Key
  • Tourism
  • Prime Minister

I move, that this House recognise that on the 4th of August 2014, we will mark the centenary of New Zealand entering the First World War.

A few hours after the declaration of war by the British Empire, of which New Zealand was a part, the Governor of New Zealand Lord Liverpool told a crowd of thousands outside Parliament that New Zealand was at war with Germany.

The New Zealand government’s offer to send an expeditionary force – a move endorsed by this Parliament – was hugely significant.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Thank you for inviting me to the Local Government New Zealand conference. It’s great to be here in Nelson, and it’s great to see all the local mayors, chief executives and elected members.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

The relationship between central government and local government is one of partnership.

We rely on each other to make good choices for our fellow New Zealanders.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt Hon John Key and the Prime Minister of Japan His Excellency Shinzo Abe met in Auckland on 7 July 2014.  Prime Minister Key welcomed Prime Minister Abe on his official visit to New Zealand and appreciated Japan’s ongoing commitment to the Pacific region under his leadership. 

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

The Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe will make an official visit to New Zealand next week, Prime Minister John Key announced today.

“Prime Minister Abe has been spearheading a revival of Japan’s economy and diplomacy,” Mr Key said.  

“His visit is an opportunity to mark New Zealand’s long-standing links with Japan through Government, business and personal ties.”

The two Prime Ministers will hold talks on Monday in Auckland and meet with business representatives from both countries. 

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has announced the appointment of Ben Keith as Deputy Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security.

The appointment was made by the Governor General and is for a term of three years.  Ben Keith starts in his new role today, 2 July 2014. 

“This is the first appointment to this position, which was newly created with amendments to the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security Act 1996 in September last year,” says Mr Key.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

The Prime Minister has this morning announced a suite of cross-Government initiatives aimed at addressing family violence.

“Quite simply, the rate of family violence in New Zealand is unacceptable,” says Mr Key.

While crime is at a 35-year low, violent crime is decreasing at a much slower rate.

“Almost 50 per cent of all homicides in New Zealand are a result of family violence. That is, on average, 14 women, seven men, and eight children killed by a member of their family every year.”

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has welcomed today’s release of statistics that show two-way trade with China has exceeded $20 billion on an annual basis for the first time.  

“In 2010, two-way trade was worth $10 billion; and our exports to China were $4 billion. At that time, the then-Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and I agreed on the ambitious target of doubling two-way trade to $20 billion by 2015,” says Mr Key.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key today announced that Kerry Prendergast has been reappointed Chair of the New Zealand Tourism Board for a one-year term.

The Board, trading as Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), markets New Zealand as a tourism destination.

“I would like to thank Kerry for her work on the board since she was first appointed in 2011, and look forward to her continued excellent contribution to the work of TNZ,” Mr Key says.

  • John Key
  • Tourism
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has today announced New Zealand will invest $1.25 million to support tourism and renewable energy in Niue.

“Tourism is the primary driver of economic development in Niue, creating jobs for locals, growing business and pumping foreign capital into the economy,” says Mr Key.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has today announced New Zealand will contribute $5 million to rebuilding schools in Tonga’s Ha’apai islands following the devastating Cyclone Ian earlier this year.

“The $7.5m joint project with the Asian Development Bank and the Tongan Government will have a big impact on the lives of nearly 1,300 students affected by the cyclone,” says Mr Key.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has today announced New Zealand will contribute around $2 million towards upgrading Tonga’s national stadium in Nuku’alofa ahead of the 2019 Pacific Games.

“New Zealand looks forward to working with the Tongan Government to improve Teufaiva Stadium in the lead up to the 2019 Pacific Games and other international events,’’ says Mr Key.

“Teufaiva Stadium is already an important site for domestic rugby, athletics and community events and will be a great venue for the Pacific Games.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has today announced New Zealand will invest $1 million to help boost Samoa’s tourism sector.

“Tourism is critical to Samoa’s economy, contributing nearly a quarter of the country’s annual GDP.

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key will lead a delegation to Samoa, Tonga and Niue on Sunday for the 2014 Pacific Mission.

Mr Key will meet with Pacific leaders and visit New Zealand Aid Programme projects during the five day visit.

“The mission reflects the close relationship we have with our Pacific neighbours and the high regard New Zealand places on these relationships,’’ says Mr Key. 

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister

Prime Minister John Key has today announced that over $1.8 million recovered under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act will go towards helping pregnant women and mothers of young children with drug and alcohol problems.

The initiative is one of seven to receive money in the latest round of Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act funding. 

  • John Key
  • Prime Minister