John talks about the National-led Government's new package of reforms to laws around the use and sale of alcohol.

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."

Prime Minister John Key has noted with sadness the death today of Sir Ron Trotter.

Sir Ron, the former chairman of Fletcher Challenge, died in Wellington this morning after a long illness.

Mr Key says, "Ron's contribution to business in New Zealand was significant. His achievements, including being founding chairman of the Business Roundtable, will leave a lasting legacy.

"His knighthood for services to business in 1985 was a well-deserved recognition of the substantial difference Sir Ron made to business in New Zealand.

"His vision, determination and leadership were legendary. 

"It was with much sadness that I heard of his death this afternoon and I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Lady Margaret and his family."

It is expected between 15 and 25 scholarships will be awarded annually with the exact number depending on the applications received.  Recipients will be selected from a shortlist drawn up by the Prime Minister and the Economic Development Minister.

"Recipients will choose which business programme they attend, and will each get up to $110,000 to cover half of the costs of their course and direct expenses.  Other costs are expected to be paid by the applicant or the nominating firm," says Mr Key.

"The scheme is designed to complement the existing Prime Minister's Science Prizes, which are helping raise the profile and prestige of science. 

"We want the business scholarships to have a similar impact in the business world by providing senior managers and executives access to top overseas business programmes.

"The aim is to build the capability of our businesses and help make New Zealand more internationally competitive.  It is expected that applicants would come from firms looking to export more," says Mr Key.

Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee says while applicants could come from a wide variety of businesses, the Government hopes to see applicants from areas identified as high priority for the Government's economic growth agenda, including dairy, food, high-value manufacturing and services, and petroleum and minerals.

"Successful applicants will need to show how they will benefit from the opportunity to develop their international business skills, the value they can add to their business, and that they have the full support of their employer."

Funding for future years' scholarships will be dependent on the outcomes of this year's pilot.

For more information go to: http://www.med.govt.nz/prime_minister's_scholarships  

Applications close on 19 September, and the inaugural awards are expected to be announced in December. 

Prime Minister's business scholarships: questions and answers

Why are such scholarships needed?

The structure and size of New Zealand's economy, our distance from markets, and a lack of large export-focused firms make it difficult for New Zealand managers to acquire the management skills they need to succeed in the globally-competitive marketplace.  We must look for ways to increase the level and application of the management and leadership skills required to succeed in international markets.

What sort of courses might be funded?

The business scholarships could include a range of medium and short-term international business education programmes, from one to two-year full or part‑time executive MBA degrees, to shorter courses focusing on topics relevant to the needs of individuals and their firms.  Education programmes focusing on the Asia-Pacific region will be preferred.  This area offers the most potential for New Zealand to increase trade and build the networks and relationships that underpin exporting.

What will the selection criteria be?

To be eligible for a business scholarship, applicants will need to be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents and employed by a New Zealand-resident business.

Selection criteria will include the following:

• The applicant is working in a firm which is internationalising or intensifying the internationalisation of its business

• Course relevance. Applicants must provide evidence the study will enable them to improve their knowledge of management and international business, benefit their firm after completion of the course and expose the applicant to a learning environment unavailable in New Zealand

• The application is of a high quality and the applicant would be a worthy ambassador for New Zealand business

• Education programmes focusing on the Asia-Pacific region will be given preference

The full criteria and conditions can be found at: http://www.med.govt.nz/prime_minister's_scholarships  

Who will be on the selection panel?

The three-person panel will have representatives from the Government and business sectors.  They will review the scholarship applications and recommend a shortlist to the Prime Minister and the Minister for Economic Development for their final decision. Panel members will be appointed by the Minister for Economic Development and the Prime Minister from a short-list developed by the Ministry of Economic Development.