23 February. John walks through some of the Government's proposed changes to the tax system, with particular emphasis on changes that may be made to GST. He talks about why food cannot be exempted from GST and discusses other fundamental issues of tax fairness as well as the ultimate goal of the Government in making changes to the tax structure and encourages those with concerns about rumoured changes to wait until the Budget is released in May to get a fuller picture of what is taking place - and why.

Prime Minister John Key has welcomed Rahul Gandhi to New Zealand today, saying the longstanding and friendly ties between the two countries have taken another step forward with his visit.

Rahul Gandhi, the great-grandson of India's first Prime Minister Nehru, is a member of parliament in India and is visiting New Zealand as the inaugural Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship is a tribute to the special contribution made by Sir Edmund Hillary to New Zealand's bilateral relationships with India and Nepal.  Its aim is to build a constituency for New Zealand among the emerging leaders of India and Nepal. 

Mr Key says, "India is a priority relationship for New Zealand.  Its leading position in the region and internationally, and its economic significance, makes it strategically important to New Zealand."

Mr Key and Mr Gandhi will discuss the relationship in key areas, including the prospect of a bilateral free trade agreement.

India is one of New Zealand's fastest growing markets, with New Zealand exports having tripled over the last decade.  The start of negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement negotiations was recently announced, a move that offers significant opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Mr Gandhi, who is visiting New Zealand for the first time, will see New Zealand innovations in the high-tech dairy and livestock industries, visit adventure tourism operations, and be shown the special features of New Zealand's educational, science and research institutions.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, John Key has welcomed the announcement that thirteen projects will go through to stage two of the next funding round of The New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

The thirteen projects are in the following areas; Tauranga, Opotiki/Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo, Ruapehu, Hawkes Bay, Nelson/Tasman, Westport, Greymouth, Mt Cook, Queenstown, Clutha and Central Otago.

"These thirteen routes were chosen as the very best of the 54 applications for funding that were lodged in December. They promise trails of spectacular beauty across both islands."

A feasibility study on these routes will now be undertaken where they will be priced and checked to see that what is promised in the concept can be delivered on.

"If all thirteen of these trails proceed through to construction they will, along with the previously-announced Quick Start trails provide a network of around 2,000 kilometres of iconic Great Rides.

"These thirteen projects are outstanding. They encapsulate the spirit of the Cycle Trail vision and will allow visitors and New Zealanders to experience some of the most stunning off-road scenery this country has to offer.

"I would like to thank all the regions and organisations who submitted expressions of interest. In the end, with a funding pool of $50 million, only a small number could be funded by the Government at this time.

"To those who have been successful - well done. If all goes well, your trail should be under construction by the end of this year.

"Your region will be richer for the efforts your community has made to be part of the iconic New Zealand Cycle Trail Project."