Prime Minister John Key says Jeanette Fitzsimons' contribution to politics in New Zealand has been significant and will leave an important legacy.

The Green MP today announced she will retire after 13 years in Parliament.

"Jeanette has been the cornerstone of the Green Party and her hard work and expertise will be missed.

"Her passion for the environment, coupled with her warm and engaging nature was a fearsome combination.

"She has been a trailblazer in New Zealand politics but never let the political process distract her from her core values.

"This is a rare and commendable attribute.

"Jeanette will be missed. Not just by those sharing her political views, but by all members of Parliament who have been touched by her hard work, humanity and humility.

"I wish her well in her retirement. She has done much to deserve it."

Prime Minister John Key today announced three changes to ministerial responsibilities aimed at ensuring strong focus in key portfolios over the year ahead.

Steven Joyce becomes Tertiary Education Minister, allowing Anne Tolley to fully focus her efforts on the Education portfolio, and in particular the implementation of the Government's national standards policy.

Kate Wilkinson becomes Conservation Minister, a portfolio in which she is currently Associate Minister. This change reflects the fact that Tim Groser is frequently out of the country representing New Zealand's interests in the Trade and Climate Change fields.

Mr Groser, because he has primary ministerial responsibility for the international negotiations aspects of Climate Change, will have a change in title and becomes the Minister Responsible for International Climate Change Negotiations.

"More than a year into this parliamentary term, I am very pleased with how Ministers are working, both individually in their portfolios and together in Cabinet.

"These changes will help ensure that the government continues its progress towards implementing key election policies such as national standards in literacy and numeracy.

"I want to thank Mrs Tolley and Mr Groser for their contribution in the portfolios that today they are handing over to colleagues. In both Tertiary Education and Conservation, they leave sound foundations for their successors to build on," says Mr Key.

All changes take effect from Wednesday 27 January. There is no change in the Cabinet rankings.

The revised Cabinet List is attached.

Cabinet list update 260110 (DOC, 66 Kb)

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, John Key, has announced that eight groups will share $5 million to market their regions.

This fund will be matched with Regional Tourism Organisations (RTO) and private sector funding to create an unprecedented opportunity to create a $10 million marketing fund, which will be particularly focused on Australia.

The joint venture funding of $10 million will see RTOs and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) work together in order to maximise marketing impact.

"New Zealand is a collection of beautiful but diverse regions, each with its own unique attractions. This is an opportunity for those regions to use their distinctive selling points to attract Australian visitors while ensuring it is coordinated with TNZ's 100% Pure New Zealand campaign.

"It is also a valuable opportunity to market experiences, seasons and occasions that are unique to a region," Mr Key says.

The funding will go towards raising the profile of the following regions;

• Auckland ($1,000,000)
• Hamilton/Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Dunedin ($250,000)
• Destination Rotorua Tourism Marketing ($600,000)
• Central Park (Rotorua, Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Ruapehu, Coromandel) ($442,000)
• Wellington, Wairarapa, Taranaki and Marlborough ($1,000,000)
• Canterbury ($775,000)
• Queenstown and Lake Wanaka ($463,000)
• Ski Tourism ($370,000)
• RTO Campaign Tracking research($100,000)

Attached: Summary of RTO proposals

RTO update (doc, 40 Kb)

"One of the reasons National was voted into office was because New Zealanders trusted us to take a hard line on criminals. Thats why, yesterday, I was pleased to announce that National and Act have agreed on changes to the Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill."