Prime Minister John Key will next month welcome United States Marines to New Zealand to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of US World War II forces to this country.

Next month marks 70 years since the large-scale arrival of United States forces in New Zealand in June 1942, following the entry of the United States into the Second World War.

A series of events are planned to help mark the anniversary.

“On 14 June, I will host a contingent of US Marines to an evening reception at Parliament, which will follow a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial in the morning,” says Mr Key.

“Fifty US Marines and a 50-person Marine band will be spending three weeks in New Zealand participating in commemorative events.

“These commemorations are a reminder that New Zealand and the United States have a longstanding and strong history of mutual aid and support, built on shared values.”

Mr Key says the relationship between New Zealand and the United States has always been underpinned by co-operation on region-wide issues, and was articulated in the Wellington Declaration signed between the two countries in 2010.

He says New Zealand appreciates the commitment and courage of the US Marines who arrived 70 years ago.

“Together we will be remembering and honouring the sacrifices made during the Second World War,” says Mr Key.

In addition to ceremonial activities, 36 New Zealand Defence Force personnel will deploy to US Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, California, in early June to participate in a three-week field exercise with Marine engineers, conducting engineering tasks.

About the same time, 50 US Marine personnel will deploy to New Zealand to participate in a field training exercise in Waiouru and the South Island.

Prime Minister John Key is encouraging community organisations to apply to the second round of grants from the Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund, a $4 million joint project developed by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and the Vodafone Foundation.

“The Fund gives community groups a great opportunity to revive their activities in the suburbs they serve, as Cantabrians work to return their lives to normal,” says Mr Key.

Mr Key is visiting The Muse Community Music Trust at Wainoni School today - an after-school music programme which received $10,000 for new musical instruments in the Fund’s first round of grants.

“Grassroots organisations like The Muse are local hubs and bring communities together – and they’re particularly valuable for the children in Christchurch’s east, many of whom have had their homes and schools damaged and extra-curricular activities disrupted.

“Those community groups in Christchurch which work with young people, and want to keep making a difference, are encouraged to apply to the Fund during its second round of grants, which opens on May 28.”

The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund will award grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000 to grassroots organisations, with an emphasis on youth-focused projects and capital or infrastructure projects.

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 $43 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 says this month’s Budget will show the Government is on track and sticking to its plan.

In a pre-Budget speech in Wellington, Mr Key reiterated that the National-led Government’s responsible management of the books means an operating surplus is set to be posted in 2014/15.

“This year will see another zero Budget as we chart a course back to surplus,” Mr Key said.

“The Government will continue to spend in priority areas. This Budget will protect and grow areas of public spending that are important in delivering real results to New Zealanders.”

“We’ll announce a range of initiatives as part of Budget 2012 that will show that we are getting things done while still staying on course to return to surplus.”

Mr Key said the Government is taking the same moderate and balanced approach it has to its three previous Budgets.

“We have constantly reprioritised spending towards things that work and we also have a firm focus on results rather than just inputs.

“Budget 2012 will continue that approach – and for the first time since the global financial crisis and the worldwide recession, the Government’s books are set to be in the black in 2014/15.”

“Returning to surplus means we can start reducing debt. That is no small achievement. It has taken a combination of disciplined fiscal policy and a willingness to make trade-offs. We have had a plan to rebuild and strengthen the country, we have stuck to it and it is working.”

Mr Key said there will be an overall increase for health and education in the Budget, although savings will also be made within these areas. The savings will be reinvested back into frontline services.

“There will be an upfront investment in welfare reform – we are going to spend money on supporting beneficiaries into work but we expect that this will be more than recouped over the forecast period through a lower welfare roll.

“We will also spend some more on science and innovation, as we promised at the election, to help build the research and innovation base of the economy.”

Mr Key said the Government’s overall spend on tertiary education will be rebalanced in Budget 2012.

“The Government remains committed to keeping student loans interest free but we are also determined to reduce the cost of the overall loan scheme to taxpayers.

“Savings will be reinvested in improving teaching and research within our universities and other tertiary institutions.

“Budget 2012 will reflect the Government’s four priorities of responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more productive and competitive economy, delivering better public services, and supporting the rebuilding of Christchurch.”

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/