Prime Minister John Key today congratulated new Solomon Islands Prime Minister Danny Philip on his election.

Mr Key says, "Solomon Islands is an important partner for New Zealand in the Pacific region. I look forward to working with Mr Philip to further strengthen our relationship.

"Our relationship is broad and deep, and has developed over many years of close association. It includes successful initiatives such as the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, our development assistance programmes in key areas such as education, fisheries and transport, and our ongoing contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands."

New Zealand remains committed to supporting sustainable economic development in a safe, secure Solomon Islands.

Mr Key also acknowledged the tenure of outgoing Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua.

"Dr Sikua's government worked hard to make Solomon Islands a better place for all Solomon Islanders. I wish him and his family well for the future."

With students at Homai Primary School - Flickr photoset of visit to Manukau City at http://bit.ly/bvUz4X

Prime Minister John Key today announced the appointment of Maxine Simmons as one of New Zealand's three representatives on APEC's Business Advisory Council (ABAC). Maxine Simmons joins New Zealand's current representatives, Tony Nowell and Gary Judd.

Maxine Simmons has a background in biotechnology, and currently runs a company focusing on advising early-stage biotechnology ventures. She was also a founding director of Industry New Zealand, a forerunner to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

"Maxine's strong understanding of the commercialisation of science will add great value to the work of the Council," Mr Key says.

"ABAC plays a major role in stimulating support among the Asia-Pacific business community for APEC's trade and investment agenda.

"New Zealand's ABAC representatives play a valuable role, and I look forward to working closely with them in the lead-up to the APEC and ABAC meetings in Yokohama in November, and also in 2011 when the US hosts APEC," Mr Key says.

Established in 1995, ABAC's main function is to provide advice, from a business perspective, to APEC leaders each year on the implementation of APEC's work programme on trade and investment liberalisation. It reports to leaders at their annual meeting on the basis of a series of discussions held during the year.

Prime Minister John Key says that at the request of Act Party Leader Rodney Hide, he has accepted the resignation of Heather Roy as a Minister in the National-led Government.

"Mrs Roy tendered her resignation in writing to me today," says Mr Key.

"Following Mrs Roy's resignation, Mr Hide requested I advise the Governor-General to appoint John Boscawen as the second Act Party Minister, as agreed under the National-Act confidence and supply arrangement. I have done so this afternoon.

"Mr Boscawen is to be appointed Minister of Consumer Affairs.  In addition he will be Associate Minister of Commerce," says Mr Key.

"Mr Hide will be given Associate Education portfolio responsibilities, and will no longer be Associate Minister of Commerce.  There will be no Associate Minister of Defence.

"Mr Boscawen will be sworn in tomorrow by the Governor-General."