John talks about the growth agenda driving the National-led government, with particular focus on a new announcement about broadband in rural communities, and the mining debate, which he says can be resolved in a way that enhances economic growth without risking the environment. He then talks about the cyclone in Fiji and the Solomons and New Zealand's part in the recovery there before moving on to the science awards he recently made and the important place of science in the economy. He also talks about the decision to award $300,000 to support the All Whites (and what's really involved in that grant). 

The Government is giving the All Whites' FIFA World Cup finals campaign a $300,000 boost, Prime Minister John Key announced today.

The cash injection will help New Zealand Football capitalise on the All Whites' second-ever trip to the finals, and assist in the promotion of football domestically.

"The FIFA World Cup finals are a massive event," says Mr Key.

"The All Whites' campaign provides a tremendous opportunity to ramp up interest and enthusiasm for football here, while also promoting New Zealand on a huge world stage.

"The Government's funding will also help New Zealand Football identify talented 17- and 18-year-olds and train them in coaching and leadership skills. They will then help run a series of football festival days through clubs and schools to promote football to young Kiwis."

Mr Key says New Zealand Football will be able to use some of the funding to hire a temporary media manager to help the team cope with the massive worldwide media interest in the FIFA World Cup.

"In addition, New Zealand Football's website will be revamped to become the All Whites' homepage, ensuring all New Zealanders will be able to receive the latest news on the team's South African campaign," says Mr Key.

Thanks for your comments on the whaling debate.  I want to make a couple of things clear.

New Zealand is anti-whaling.  That is why we are working hard at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) for a diplomatic solution.

The Government is participating in the negotiations at the IWC because we believe it offers the best prospect for bringing whaling under international control and substantially reducing the number of whales killed.  During the previous 20 years, whaling quotas have increased ten fold, from 300 in 1990 to 3,000 for 2010. The current system is not working. 

New Zealand has not endorsed any particular proposal. The mandate of the New Zealand delegation at the IWC participating in the negotiations is to see if they can find a diplomatic solution that the New Zealand Government and people of New Zealand can consider. 

If the diplomatic solution fails and talks break down, then New Zealand will have to consider if it wants to join Australia in any legal action that might be taken, and that decision will be made in due course.  However, at this point New Zealand is still working through the meetings that are taking place at the IWC. 

Here are a couple of interesting comments on the whaling negotiations:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10631021

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/opinion/editorials/3420779/Editorial-Stop-the-slaughter-any-way-that-works

The Government's promise to put 300 Police officers on the beat in Counties-Manukau by the end of 2010 is well on the way to being fulfilled, with the district's 200^th recruit now lining up for duty, Prime Minister John Key said today.

Meeting the newest recruits at the Counties-Manukau Police District Headquarters with Police Minister Judith Collins, Mr Key says the boost in officers for the area is already making a positive impact.

"Provisional statistics suggest crime in the region is dropping and, while crime can never be completely eliminated, the feedback the Government is receiving indicates extra officers are making a big difference.

"Business owners and residents in South Auckland are saying they're now seeing more Police and less trouble around their businesses and neighbourhoods.

"The Government believes all Kiwis should feel safe and secure in their homes, workplaces and out in public. One of the most effective ways to achieve that is to ensure we have a highly-visible and highly-effective Police force.

"Already, people in Counties-Manukau are noticing a change for the better, which is a tribute to the skills, enthusiasm and determination of both seasoned officers and our newest Police College graduates."

In addition to the extra officers in Counties-Manukau, the Government is committed to providing the rest of the country with a further 300 Police by the end of 2011, says Mr Key.

Some of New Zealand's most brilliant minds have been honoured in the first annual Prime Minister's Science Prizes, the country's most prestigious and valuable science awards.

Prime Minister John Key today announced the prizes, which have total prize money of $1 million, at the Stardome Observatory and Planetarium in Auckland.

Mr Key says, "Our scientists are doing high quality research in many areas but too often their achievements receive little public acclaim. Today's prizes follow up on a Budget promise last year to raise the profile and prestige of science in New Zealand".

The top award, the Prime Minister's Science Prize, goes to a research team from Industrial Research Limited (IRL) for its world-leading development of high temperature superconducting (HTS) technology.

HTS is a rapidly emerging field that enables the transmission of electricity without resistance or loss of energy.  This allows the manufacture of lighter, smaller, more efficient and more environmentally friendly components and machines.

"IRL's work is an outstanding example of how science can lead to major economic benefits, with HTS estimated to be worth about $80 million a year to the country.

"We see science and innovation as key to lifting our economic performance, and we are determined to increase the profile and effectiveness of New Zealand science."

Other prizes were awarded to the country's top science teacher, a young scientist embarking on scientific study, an emerging scientist at PhD level and a science communicator.

"These prizes help to give science the prestige it deserves. We want to see more young people embark on scientific careers and make a vital contribution to New Zealand's prosperity."

The full list of winners is:

• Dr Jeff Tallon and Dr Bob Buckley, IRL - The Prime Minister's Science Prize. Drs Tallon and Buckley receive $100,000 with a further $400,000 going to IRL.

• Stanley Roach, 18, formerly of Onslow College and now studying at the University of Auckland - The Prime Minister's 2009 Future Scientist Prize. Stanley receives $50,000

• Dr Paul Lowe, Morrinsville College, Morrinsville - The Prime Minister's 2009 Science Teacher Prize. Paul receives $50,000 and his school receives $100,000

• John Watt, Victoria University of Wellington - The Prime Minister's 2009 MacDiarmid Emerging Scientist. John receives $150,000

• Elizabeth Connor, Wellington - The Prime Minister's 2009 Science Media Communications Prize. Elizabeth receives $150,000.

These prizes are for 2009. Future prize winners will be announced in November each year, starting in November 2010.

For more information go to www.pmscienceprizes.org.nz