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Mr Speaker,

I have been surprised by some of the reaction I have had to my decision to retire. All sorts of motivations have been ascribed to my decision.

One of my cabinet colleagues – who is always concerned about how these sorts of things look for the Government – was keen to spread the rumour that the real reason could be traced to the existence of a series of incriminating photographs.

I was alarmed at the speed at which Murray McCully was able to invent such a scenario.

It’s my pleasure to be here today.

I want to start by taking you back to the situation the Government found itself in when it first came into office in November 2008.

At that time we were all hearing stories of people who had, on the advice of financial advisers, diversified their life savings into a variety of finance companies.

And we all know how those stories ended.

When finance companies began to fall like dominos in 2006 and onwards, some $8.6 billion of investors’ money was put at risk.

Good afternoon and thank you for your welcome.

I enjoy speaking to the Trans-Tasman Business Circle because I always get a huge amount out of sharing ideas with you, at the coalface of the extremely vital trade relationships with our biggest trading partner.

Some of you have probably heard me say that I haven't met an Australian I don't like, but it's true.

And I suspect it's a sentiment that's reciprocated – not for me specifically, but for New Zealanders generally.

If you were to ask me to say in a few words why financial literacy is important to me, it would be something like: "Because it contributes to the financial wellbeing of New Zealanders".

That's because it does what it says – the more financially literate we are, the better placed we are to make decisions that enhance our wellbeing. No matter who we are. That’s why summits such as this are so important.

I’d like to acknowledge Labour MP Lianne Dalziel, Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard, FMA chief executive Sean Hughes and the FMA board, members of the FMA Establishment Board, and members of the board of Infinz. It's a pleasure to be here at this event again.

My thanks to Infinz for the invitation to speak at an awards ceremony which celebrates excellence and achievement in the finance industry.

Commerce Minister Simon Power today announced that David Mayhew is stepping down as Commissioner for Financial Advisers, effective from 30 April or earlier upon the establishment of the Financial Markets Authority.

“Mr Mayhew has advised me that the substantive work of the commissioner will have been completed by April and the remaining work can be subsumed by the FMA as soon as it is established,” Mr Power said.

Thank you for inviting me to open your conference.

The companies you represent form an integral part of New Zealand's economy.

Thank you for inviting me to speak today at your 14^th Annual Conference.

It's nice to be back in the presence of my old law firm, if only for the afternoon.

Since I took on the Commerce portfolio nearly two years ago, many mum and dad investors have told me they're disillusioned with our financial markets.

Good morning.

Thank you for the invitation to speak here today.

First I'd like to apologise for stealing your founder and chairman Bruce Sheppard away from you.

I'd like to acknowledge the President of the Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce, Stuart McLauchlan, Napier Mayor, Barbara Arnott, Chief Operating Officer of the Port of Napier, Chris Bain, fellow MPs,

My thanks to the board of INFINZ for the invitation to speak tonight.

Thank-you for inviting me to talk about why strengthening our ties with Australia has been and will continue to be a strategic priority for New Zealand.

17 February 2010 Speech I move, That the Financial Service Providers (Pre-Implementation Adjustments) Bill be now read a first time.

Thank you, Brent, for the introduction and for welcoming me to the 10th Annual Competition Law and Regulatory Review Conference.

I move, That the Financial Service Providers (Pre-Implementation Adjustments) Bill be now read a first time.  

The 75^th anniversary of the Institute of International Affairs is an auspicious occasion.

Good morning and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you about the latest developments in corporate insolvency legislation.

Thank you for the introduction and for welcoming me to the 5th Annual Securities Law Update.

Speech to Franchise Law Symposium, Auckland University

Good morning and thank you Jonathan for inviting me to open today’s proceedings.

Good evening. Thank you for the welcome and introduction, and for the opportunity to address this forum.

There are three inter-related issues I would like to talk to you about.

Good afternoon and thank you for inviting me to speak to you today.  I'm sure you're all anxious to hear about the implementation of the Financial Advisers Act, but I would like to first brief