The National-led Government's first 100 days in office is up today with every item in its 100-day Action Plan completed, says Prime Minister John Key.

During the election campaign, National committed to 100 days of action should it form the government.

"Today marks 100 days since my government was sworn in," says Mr Key. "The plan covered actions on the economy, law and order, education, health, and electoral law.

"Every item has been ticked off. This week the Government announced its voluntary bonding initiatives, Plunketline funding, and our plans to tackle waiting lists.

"I am proud to lead a Government that kept its word and implemented its pre-election commitments, and within the deadline we set.

"However, the Action Plan is not the end. There will be other ideas and initiatives to come, some of which will arise out of the Jobs Summit being held tomorrow in Manukau."

Related Documents

• Our First 100 Days
• 100 Day Action Plan Completion

Prime Minister John Key welcomes ASB’s announcement this afternoon that it will provide a $1 billion loans facility targeted at keeping and creating employment in small to medium sized businesses.

“The ASB initiative to launch a “Jobs Creation Loan” is just the sort of creative private sector idea I have been seeking in the lead-up to this week’s Jobs Summit. 

“I congratulate ASB for its constructive approach, and look forward to seeing its chief executive, Charles Pink, at the summit on Friday.

“As I’ve said many times, the summit is not only about what the Government can do.

“It will bring together people at the coalface of the economy who can make a real difference as we navigate these difficult economic times.

“In addition to policy ideas that the Government can look at and implement, I anticipate the summit will produce other innovative ideas that can help keep, and create, employment.”

Prime Minister John Key today announced the rollover of the New Zealand military’s commitment to providing a provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in Afghanistan for another year.

The previous Government agreed in November 2007 to the continued deployment of the PRT for one year to 30 September 2009.

“Cabinet has decided to extend that commitment by a year to the end of September 2010 at an estimated cost of $41.553 million,” says Mr Key.

“The situation in Afghanistan requires an ongoing international programme of security and development assistance to the government of Afghanistan.

“The work of the New Zealand PRT in the Bamyan province is highly valued by the Afghanistan government and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).”

The commitment includes the following elements:

• Deployment of the PRT of up to 140 NZDF personnel in Bamyan
• Deployment of up to five NZDF personnel to various operational headquarters in Afghanistan
• One military officer to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
• Up to two medical specialists serving in the south of Afghanistan
• Up to two NZDF NCOs to work with the United Kingdom to provide training to the Afghan National Army.

NOTE: The Provincial Reconstruction Team consists of up to 140 New Zealand Defence Force personnel. NZDF personnel have had continuous involvement in Afghanistan since December 2001, with the PRT deployed in Bamyan province since 2003.

21 February. Prime Minister John Key and a large contingent of MPs and Ministers visit Te Matatini for the National Kapa Haka Festival. This video includes interviews with Associate Minister for Maori Affairs Georgina te Heuheu QSO, List MP Paul Quinn and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

Prime Minister John Key will hold formal talks with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in Sydney at the start of March.

Mr Key will leave New Zealand on Sunday afternoon, 1 March, and return on Monday night, 2 March.

"Australia and New Zealand are near neighbours and the closest of friends. Our relationship with Australia is a vitally important one," says Mr Key.

"I have met and had talks with Mr Rudd twice since becoming Prime Minister, and I'm looking forward to this opportunity.

"I will be extending New Zealand's condolences to Mr Rudd on the terrible bushfire tragedy in Victoria, an event that has deeply moved New Zealanders.

"Mr Rudd and I will discuss bilateral, regional and international issues, including the global economic crisis. We will also discuss our engagement in the trans-Tasman Single Economic Market."

In addition to meeting Mr Rudd, Mr Key will meet with business leaders and senior members of the Australian Cabinet.