Prime Minister John Key says he is saddened to hear of the death of All Black legend Sir Fred Allen, who was knighted in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Sir Fred was born in Oamaru, educated in Christchurch, and served overseas with the 2nd NZEF during World War 2. After the war he played for Auckland, and then the All Blacks from 1946 to 1949.

He went on to coach Auckland and then the All Blacks from 1966 to 1968, winning all 14 tests during that period.

Sir Fred was 92 when he died, and was the oldest living All Black.

“I would like to take the opportunity to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Sir Fred,” says Mr Key.

“He was a great New Zealander, and one who richly deserved the honours bestowed on him.”

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal's donation of $2.8 million to St John has enabled the charity to rebuild its emergency response resources after the series of earthquakes which damaged Christchurch, Prime Minister John Key said today.

On a tour of St John's new South Island headquarters in Orchard Road, Mr Key was shown the vehicles and equipment - including ambulances, defibrillators and medical supplies - the donation has helped the charity to purchase.

"St John has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders over the course of its 127-year history,” says Mr Key.

“Its staff played a vital role in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes, being among the first emergency services to respond to the devastating and life-threatening situations which shook the city.

"Since the first earthquake in September 2010, St John has suffered about $3 million worth of damage to its equipment and technology, so the grant from the Appeal goes a long way to bringing the emergency service back up to full operational capacity."

St John is using the grant to replace and repair equipment lost or damaged during the earthquakes, which will ensure it is well-placed to respond if another large emergency event strikes the region.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal was launched by Mr Key, and is the Government’s official, global fundraiser for the recovery effort for Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

The Trust has committed funds of around $42 million to a variety of projects, including the Re:Start container mall in Cashel Street, the new Christchurch Stadium and the Court Theatre. Over $50 million remains to be allocated, with the Trust intending to disburse the majority during 2012.

For more information or to donate, go to http://christchurchappealtrust.org.nz/

Prime Minister John Key today announced the reappointment of Dr Warren Tucker as Director of Security at the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.

Dr Tucker has been appointed for a further 18-month term from 1 November 2012.

Mr Key says the reappointment will provide leadership continuity for the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.

“Dr Tucker is a career intelligence officer. His professionalism is respected and highly regarded by the intelligence and security communities in New Zealand and internationally.

“Dr Tucker has continued to improve the way the Service conducts its business and the Service’s protective security function,” says Mr Key.

“I am pleased Dr Tucker has agreed to remain in office for a further term.”

Dr Tucker’s current term of office will end on 31 October 2012, by which time he will have completed six years in the position.