Click here to watch my latest video journal - on changes to drink driving laws and more.


MAKING OUR ROADS SAFER

On Monday Transport Minister Steven Joyce and I announced the steps we are taking to crack down on drink driving. 

Alcohol is a factor in almost one in three fatal crashes on our roads. This is a serious problem and we are tackling it with a set of tough changes:

• A zero blood-alcohol limit for repeat drink drivers
• A zero blood-alcohol limit for drivers aged under 20
• Alcohol interlocks for repeat drink drivers
• Tougher penalties for dangerous or drink drivers who cause death 

We will put the changes in place next year, and over the next two years research will be carried out to help us decide what impact lowering the blood-alcohol limit would have.  

HOSTING THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

On Tuesday I launched a $9.5 million lotteries fund for public events during next year's Rugby World Cup festival.

The festival is a chance to showcase our delicious food and wine, stunning scenery, and diverse culture. I want to see every community getting involved, and this new fund will help communities hold events such as concerts, fairs, or street markets. 

We want the celebrations and economic benefits of hosting the World Cup to be spread all over New Zealand.

GETTING INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

I opened the annual Local Government New Zealand conference on Monday. Local government really matters, and I urge New Zealanders to have their say by voting in the local body elections this October.

Voter turnout in the 2007 local elections was the lowest in almost 10 years. It would be great to see more people getting engaged in their communities and exercising their democratic right to vote this year.

CREATING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

We've had lots of good feedback on the changes to employment laws I recently announced at the National Party conference.

It's great news for employers and employees that we're extending our voluntary 90-day trial period to cover all businesses. We introduced the trial period in 2008 for small businesses. Research shows that 40 per cent of employers would not have, or were unlikely to have, taken on a new employee without it.  

Many other developed countries we compare ourselves with have similar policies. A number of countries have employment rules that go even further.

Click here for a one page summary of our moderate and practical changes. 

Click here to check out my behind-the-scenes video from the recent National Party conference in Auckland.

MAKING THE MOST OF AQUACULTURE

National wants the aquaculture industry to reach its full potential and help grow our economy. That's why we are working hard to free up regulatory bottlenecks that have kept aquaculture planning in limbo.

Last week Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley announced the next steps for our much-needed reform of the industry. We support the industry's goal of $1 billion in annual sales by 2025, and I'm pleased that we're helping them reach that goal.

FROM MY DIARY

Yesterday I spent the day in the Waikato region. I went to lots of events, including a Maori Language Week celebration. This morning I spoke at the annual Motel Association of New Zealand conference in Hamilton.

Next week I'm off to the Pacific Islands Forum in Vanuatu. 

Click here for photos of the All Whites' homecoming parade in Wellington last week.

Check out videos from my recent trip to the World Expo in Shanghai and to Hanoi in Viet Nam.

HAVING YOUR SAY

Thanks for sharing your views on Facebook and on my website www.johnkey.co.nz. It's always good to hear what you think. If you have any friends or family who want to receive Key Notes and join in the discussions, they can sign up here. 

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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