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29 April 2010
Photoset from visit to Gallipoli
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25 April 2010
PM saddened by Air Force helicopter tragedy
Prime Minister John Key has expressed shock and sorrow at the deaths today of three Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel in an Iroquois helicopter crash near Wellington.
Mr Key is in Gallipoli for Anzac Day to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the landings by Australian and New Zealand forces there.
"I was informed early this morning of the crash," says Mr Key.
"I am shocked and saddened by this tragic event. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, the family of the injured man, and the entire New Zealand Defence Force.
"To have this happen when the helicopter was heading to Wellington for an Anzac Day flypast is an absolute tragedy.
"I am sure that all New Zealanders will join with me in offering the families of the victims, and the Defence Force, our deepest condolences."
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23 April 2010
Remembering our Anzac heroes
Watch my latest Video Journal - Click here
REMEMBERING OUR ANZAC HEROES
I'll be in Gallipoli on Anzac Day to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. The Gallipoli campaign saw New Zealand suffer the highest percentage of casualties of any military campaign in our history.
Anzac Day is a day to honour all Kiwis, both living and gone, who served in war. I'm delighted that I'll be in Gallipoli to mark their courage and sacrifice.
After Turkey I'm going to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen business and economic ties between our countries. I'll be joined by Trade Minister Tim Groser and a 90-strong business delegation.
For photos from my trip to Turkey, click here.
BOOSTING OUR ECONOMY IN BUDGET 2010
National was elected to deliver a step change in the New Zealand economy. We are determined to grow the economy, create sustainable new jobs, and help Kiwi families get ahead.
Yesterday Finance Minister Bill English announced that the Budget on May 20 will make sure taxpayer money is spent more wisely.
We're redirecting another $1.8 billion of lower quality government spending into high priority frontline services - such as health, education, and law and order.
TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
National believes New Zealand must do its fair share to reduce carbon emissions. That's why the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is going ahead.
The ETS balances our economic opportunities with our environmental responsibilities.
Compared to Labour's scheme, we've halved the increase in fuel and power costs for families and businesses.
New data shows that because of the ETS, the trend towards deforestation has reversed, and we're planting more trees. This is great news.
The Government is continuing to monitor international developments. Next year we'll have a formal review of the ETS.
SUPPORTING THE UN DECLARATION ON INDIGENOUS RIGHTS
This week Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples visited New York to affirm the Government's support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
New Zealand has always supported the overall aspirations of this declaration. It is non-binding and aspirational. Supporting it does not alter our existing legal and constitutional frameworks.
LIFTING ACHIEVEMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS
As we start the second school term, it's great that the vast majority of primary and intermediate schools are putting National Standards into practice. Schools have rushed to sign up for workshops to help them implement the Standards.
National Standards are benchmarks showing what children should be able to achieve in reading, writing, and maths, and by when. Schools are required to report each child's progress to parents, in plain language, twice a year.
I know that many parents will be looking forward to receiving their first report. Learn more about National Standards here.
HAVING YOUR SAY ON MMP
National is delivering on our election promise to hold a referendum on the MMP system. Yesterday the Electoral Referendum Bill passed its first reading.
We want to give New Zealanders the second say on MMP many felt they were promised when the system was adopted. We will hold the referendum in conjunction with the 2011 general election.
FROM MY DIARY
I returned from a successful trip to the United States and Canada early this week. It was great to attend President Obama's Nuclear Security Summit with almost 50 other world leaders, and catch up with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. See photos here.
On Tuesday I met with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare. We held an official welcome at Parliament. See photos here.
Best wishes
John Key
Prime Minister
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22 April 2010
New Zealand to forge closer links with Turkey
Up to 100 young New Zealanders each year will be able to spend 12 months living and working in Turkey, following the signing of a reciprocal Working Holiday Scheme, Prime Minister John Key announced today.
Mr Key signed the agreement today (11.15pm NZT, 22 April) in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The two Prime Ministers also signed an Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and issued a joint declaration. The declaration outlines how ties between New Zealand and Turkey can be broadened and strengthened.
"The annual ANZAC commemorations on Gallipoli Peninsula underpin a strong bond. We can use these historical ties to grow trade and investment between our two countries," says Mr Key.
"Turkey can become a key gateway to Europe, the Caucasus and the Middle East for New Zealand businesses. It also has a significant and rapidly expanding market of its own.
"New Zealand can play a similar role for Turkish businesses wishing to benefit from the fast-growing Asia Pacific market."
Tomorrow Mr Key heads to the Gallipoli peninsula where he will attend a number of commemoration services.
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20 April 2010
John Key - Video Journal No.25
20 April 2010. John talks about new plans for Auckland's "Party Central" platform at the impending Rugby World Cup, his recent travel to the US and Canada - and his impending international travel plans. For artist impressions of the "party central" facility and more information, see http://bit.ly/buNpx0.
