BOOSTING THE ECONOMY

This week I announced my pilot business scholarship scheme. Under the $1 million scheme, people can apply for up to $110,000 to study at an internationally-recognised business school. This will help Kiwi businesses grow and compete internationally.

National wants to help businesses succeed. We were elected to put New Zealand on a path to higher economic growth, and that is what we are doing. We have a comprehensive economic plan with six drivers, and we have been very busy rolling out the policies in this plan.

Our six drivers of economic growth are:

• A growth enhancing tax system
• Better, smarter public services
• Lifting education and skills
• Boosting productive infrastructure
• Better business innovation and an ambitious trade agenda
• Cutting red tape and regulations

Read a one-page summary of our six-point economic growth plan here.

LIFTING ACHIEVEMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS

Education is a critical part of National's plan to secure a brighter future for New Zealand. We want all children to get the skills they need to succeed.

That's why we introduced National Standards this year. The Standards show what Year 1 to 8 children should be able to achieve in reading, writing, and maths, and by when. They will help identify children who are falling behind. Parents will receive plain language reports on their child's progress twice a year.

Last week we announced our next steps to help those children who are falling behind. This includes investing $36 million over four years for extra resources and programmes, and moving more Ministry of Education resources to the frontline. 

Read a one-page summary on National Standards here.  

Find out what the reading and writing National Standards are for each year level here.

Find out what the mathematics National Standards are for each year level here.

PUTTING PATIENTS FIRST

National is putting patients first and delivering better, sooner, more convenient health care for all New Zealanders. Before the 2008 election we promised to spend more money on medicines and we have delivered on our promise.

We have boosted funding for medicines by $60 million so far, and last week Health Minister Tony Ryall announced that 250,000 more Kiwis are getting the government-subsidised medicines they need.

WORKING WITH THE PACIFIC  

Last week I was in Vanuatu for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting. The meeting was a good chance to talk about how we can work together on issues such as economic development, fisheries, trade, and climate change.

The Government is strongly committed to the Pacific region and playing our part in addressing the challenges we all face. I look forward to hosting the next forum in Auckland in September 2011.

IMPROVING OUR WELFARE SYSTEM

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett set up an independent group this year to look at our welfare system. On Monday the Welfare Working Group released its issues paper, and it will release a final report by the end of the year.   

I have a strong commitment to the safety net that welfare provides for those in genuine need. But I also believe those who can work, should.

National wants an affordable and sustainable welfare system that supports the most vulnerable and is fair to those who use it and those who pay for it. We also need a system that supports people into work.

We have introduced legislation to help make that happen. Read a one-page summary of our Future Focus reforms here.

I look forward to seeing what the Welfare Working Group comes up with in its final report later this year.

FAREWELLING A BRAVE SOLDIER

This week New Zealanders paid tribute to Lieutenant Tim O'Donnell, who died while serving with the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan. Tim exemplified our Defence Force's values of courage, commitment, comradeship, and integrity. His service was invaluable. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

FROM MY DIARY

Yesterday I spent the day in the Rangitikei electorate with local MP Simon Power and today I've been in Hawke's Bay. On Sunday I'll be in Auckland's Aotea Square for the Indian Independence Day celebration. I hope to see you there if you're nearby. 

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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Click here to watch my latest video journal - on changes to drink driving laws and more.


MAKING OUR ROADS SAFER

On Monday Transport Minister Steven Joyce and I announced the steps we are taking to crack down on drink driving. 

Alcohol is a factor in almost one in three fatal crashes on our roads. This is a serious problem and we are tackling it with a set of tough changes:

• A zero blood-alcohol limit for repeat drink drivers
• A zero blood-alcohol limit for drivers aged under 20
• Alcohol interlocks for repeat drink drivers
• Tougher penalties for dangerous or drink drivers who cause death 

We will put the changes in place next year, and over the next two years research will be carried out to help us decide what impact lowering the blood-alcohol limit would have.  

HOSTING THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

On Tuesday I launched a $9.5 million lotteries fund for public events during next year's Rugby World Cup festival.

The festival is a chance to showcase our delicious food and wine, stunning scenery, and diverse culture. I want to see every community getting involved, and this new fund will help communities hold events such as concerts, fairs, or street markets. 

We want the celebrations and economic benefits of hosting the World Cup to be spread all over New Zealand.

GETTING INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

I opened the annual Local Government New Zealand conference on Monday. Local government really matters, and I urge New Zealanders to have their say by voting in the local body elections this October.

Voter turnout in the 2007 local elections was the lowest in almost 10 years. It would be great to see more people getting engaged in their communities and exercising their democratic right to vote this year.

CREATING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

We've had lots of good feedback on the changes to employment laws I recently announced at the National Party conference.

It's great news for employers and employees that we're extending our voluntary 90-day trial period to cover all businesses. We introduced the trial period in 2008 for small businesses. Research shows that 40 per cent of employers would not have, or were unlikely to have, taken on a new employee without it.  

Many other developed countries we compare ourselves with have similar policies. A number of countries have employment rules that go even further.

Click here for a one page summary of our moderate and practical changes. 

Click here to check out my behind-the-scenes video from the recent National Party conference in Auckland.

MAKING THE MOST OF AQUACULTURE

National wants the aquaculture industry to reach its full potential and help grow our economy. That's why we are working hard to free up regulatory bottlenecks that have kept aquaculture planning in limbo.

Last week Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley announced the next steps for our much-needed reform of the industry. We support the industry's goal of $1 billion in annual sales by 2025, and I'm pleased that we're helping them reach that goal.

FROM MY DIARY

Yesterday I spent the day in the Waikato region. I went to lots of events, including a Maori Language Week celebration. This morning I spoke at the annual Motel Association of New Zealand conference in Hamilton.

Next week I'm off to the Pacific Islands Forum in Vanuatu. 

Click here for photos of the All Whites' homecoming parade in Wellington last week.

Check out videos from my recent trip to the World Expo in Shanghai and to Hanoi in Viet Nam.

HAVING YOUR SAY

Thanks for sharing your views on Facebook and on my website www.johnkey.co.nz. It's always good to hear what you think. If you have any friends or family who want to receive Key Notes and join in the discussions, they can sign up here. 

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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This weekend I've been in Auckland at the National Party's annual conference. It's been good to catch up with National Party members and thank them for their support.

In my conference speech today I described how we are delivering on our election promises and focusing on the issues that matter to all New Zealanders.

National is working hard to lift the long-term performance of the economy, create jobs, raise living standards, and provide world-class public services for Kiwi families. We are securing the brighter future that New Zealanders voted for in the 2008 election.

You can read and comment on my full speech here - and here for my media release, "Employment law package all about jobs & growth".

IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT LAW

Today at the conference I announced National's employment law package. It contains practical solutions to issues facing employers and employees, and is part of our plan to grow the economy and create jobs.

We're extending the 90-day trial period for new employees to cover all employers, not just those with 20 or fewer employees. This voluntary trial period gives employers more confidence to take on new staff, and it gives people the chance to prove themselves in a job.

We introduced the trial period for small businesses in 2008 and it's been really successful. Research shows that 40 per cent of employers would not have, or were unlikely to have, hired someone without the trial period. 

We're also giving employees the option to trade one of their four weeks' annual leave for cash, and fixing the personal grievance system.

And we're changing the rules on union access to workplaces, so that any access will require the prior consent of an employer. That consent cannot be unreasonably withheld.

There are other changes too. Click here for a one page summary.

BOOSTING TRADE WITH ASIA

This week I got back from a successful trip to the Republic of Korea, China and Viet Nam. Check out photos from my trip here:

• Day One: Seoul, DMZ - ROK
• Day Two: Seoul, ROK
• Day Three: Seoul, ROK
• Beijing, China
• Shanghai, China
• Hanoi, Viet Nam

There are big opportunities for New Zealand in Asia and I am determined that we make the most of them.

In Korea I met with President Lee Myung-bak and injected new life into free trade talks. I also attended a wreath laying ceremony to honour the 45 New Zealanders who lost their lives in the Korean War.

In China I visited the Shanghai Expo on New Zealand Day. The Expo is a fantastic way to showcase the best of our country. I especially enjoyed the performance by Kiwi musicians Moana and the Tribe, and got to have a chat with them afterwards.

I was in the air on my way to Viet Nam when the All Blacks were playing the Springboks last weekend. We avoided learning the score so we could watch their win "live by replay" when we arrived in Hanoi. I enjoyed Viet Nam, especially meeting the Prime Minister and President for the first time.

BUILDING THE CYCLE TRAIL

While I was in Asia, Associate Tourism Minister Jonathan Coleman announced that work will start on eight new cycle trails this summer.

The trails are in Opotiki/Gisborne, Taupo, Hawke's Bay, Nelson/Tasman, Westport, Mount Cook/Waitaki, Queenstown, and Clutha. They are all part of The New Zealand Cycle Trail Project.

This project will showcase some of our most breathtaking scenery, and the completed trails will be a big draw card for tourists from New Zealand and around the world.

FROM MY DIARY

On Wednesday I caught up with the All Blacks and Springboks at a reception we hosted for them at Parliament. On Thursday I was in Auckland to launch the Rex Robotic Exoskeleton, made by Albany firm Rex Bionics. The product helps wheelchair users walk and stand up, and it's a great example of innovation in New Zealand.  And on Friday I visited the Tip Top bread factory in Christchurch.

Next Wednesday I'll be at the All Whites' parade in Wellington and I hope to see lots of Wellingtonians and football fans there.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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Watch and comment on my latest video


OPENING OHAKUNE'S CYCLE TRAIL   

Today I've been in Ohakune to open stage one of the Ruapehu-Whanganui cycle trail. It's just one part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project I announced last year.

The 200-kilometre Ruapehu-Whanganui trail will pass through some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery. It's a great example of New Zealand making the most of our natural assets and showcasing the very best we have to offer.

CONGRATULATING THE ALL WHITES

I'm really proud of the All Whites. They came home from the Football World Cup unbeaten. The team has inspired a whole new generation of footballers in New Zealand.

It was a privilege to be in South Africa for their game against Italy, and I enjoyed catching up with Ricki Herbert, Ryan Nelsen, and the team afterwards.

LIFTING ACHIEVEMENT IN OUR SCHOOLS

It's been great to see primary and intermediate schools continuing to roll out National Standards in Term Two. Parents deserve clear information about their child's progress in reading, writing, and maths, and that's what National Standards is delivering. 

Education Minister Anne Tolley is getting positive feedback from many parents throughout New Zealand about the standards.

Find out more about National Standards here.   

PUTTING VICTIMS FIRST

National is improving the criminal justice system for victims. We want to help them move on with their lives sooner. New services for victims and their families came into force yesterday.

First, every convicted offender will pay a $50 levy  from now on, which will go directly towards supporting victims.

Second, on-the-spot safety orders for victims of domestic violence are in place, which means a potentially violent person can be removed from a home by Police for up to five days. 

TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE

National believes New Zealand must do our fair share on climate change. Our moderate Emissions Trading Scheme balances our environmental responsibilities with our economic opportunities.

The majority of New Zealanders will be better off over the next few years. After the tax cuts and GST rise on October 1, the average family will be about $25 a week better off.  That's considerably more than the cost of the Emissions Trading Scheme to the average household, which is estimated to be $3.17 a week - half what Labour's scheme would have cost.

There are ways families can save on increased costs. They could take advantage of the Government's home insulation scheme or make sure the tyres are set correctly on their car.

Come 1 October, New Zealanders will have had three rounds of tax cuts in two years, meaning the average family will be just under $100 a week better off compared to August 2008.

BOOSTING DOCTORS, NURSES, AND MIDWIVES

National's voluntary bonding scheme for graduate doctors, nurses, and midwives has been hugely popular. This week Health Minister Tony Ryall announced that about 1400 graduates have been accepted into the scheme in the first two years.

Under the scheme, graduates who work in hard-to-staff communities or medical specialties for three to five years are eligible for student loan write offs or cash incentives.

WELCOMING NEW AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER

I phoned new Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard last week. It was good to congratulate her and let her know that I look forward to continuing the strong relationship between our countries. I also spoke to Kevin Rudd to wish him all the best. 

STRENGTHENING TIES WITH ASIA

On Saturday I'm heading to Asia for 10 days. I'll be visiting the Republic of Korea, China, and Viet Nam. New Zealand has a strong relationship with the Asia region, and this trip will be a chance to build on that.

I've got a busy schedule, including talking to Korea's President Lee Myung-bak about a possible free trade agreement between our two countries, and visiting New Zealand's pavilion at the Shanghai Expo in China.    

FROM MY DIARY

Yesterday I was in Christchurch to mark the 50,000th home insulated under National's Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart Scheme. 

Check out my videos from my visits to Fieldays and Tauranga last week.


Regards,

John Key
Prime Minister

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Watch and comment on my latest video - click here.


SUPPORTING OUR RURAL COMMUNITIES

I had a great time at Fieldays in Mystery Creek on Wednesday. Fieldays is one of the world's best agricultural events, and it was a good chance to catch up with farmers from all over New Zealand.

Rural communities are the backbone of our economy and National is working hard to support them. We are building competitiveness in our primary sector, encouraging innovation, enhancing biosecurity, and improving the public services and infrastructure that rural families rely on.

Check out my photos from the day here.

See a one-page summary of how we're supporting the primary sector here.

CHEERING ON THE ALL WHITES

I stayed up on Tuesday night to watch the All Whites play Slovakia. It was a late night, but worth staying up to see that excellent goal by Winston Reid. The team played their heart out and it was a great result. 

I'm off to South Africa this weekend for their game against Italy. As Patron of the All Whites 2010 World Cup campaign, I'll be proud to cheer them on from inside the stadium. The whole country is right behind coach Ricki Herbert and the team.

I'll also meet business leaders while I'm in South Africa. Our two countries have a very strong relationship and I look forward to building on this. 

FIXING THE FORESHORE AND SEABED ISSUE

As part of our confidence and supply agreement with the Maori Party, we promised to review the 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Our review is complete and this week we announced that we will repeal the Act. We have agreed on a way forward that is in the best interests of all New Zealanders.

We're making sure the foreshore and seabed cannot be sold. We're guaranteeing public access.  And we're restoring iwi's ability to test their customary rights to the foreshore and seabed through the courts.

National wants to settle the foreshore and seabed issue once and for all, so it does not remain as a weeping sore that would have to be addressed by a future government.

See a one-page summary of our foreshore and seabed plans here.

HELPING OUR TOP ATHLETES

Sport really matters to New Zealanders. We want to see our top sportspeople succeeding internationally, and we are proud of them when they do.

Last week I announced the largest-ever boost to government funding for high performance sport. I spoke at the Millennium Institute in Auckland, and got to catch up with some of New Zealand's top athletes while I was there. I even got some fitness and training tips from Olympic gold medallist board sailor Tom Ashley.

The funding boost will help expand and develop world-class sporting facilities, including the Millennium Institute, which will become the National Training Centre for High Performance Sport. It will also make sure our best athletes get the support they need to reach their full potential on the world stage. 

VOLUNTEERING AT THE RUGBY WORLD CUP

Last week I launched the Rugby World Cup volunteer recruitment programme. Volunteers are an important part of any sporting event, and we're looking for more than 5000 people to help out next year.

Former All Black Michael Jones has agreed to be our Volunteer Ambassador. We're lucky to have him on board, and it was great to see him at the launch. I enjoyed throwing a ball around with him and Petone Rugby Club's under-8 team.  

Next year we'll be counting on all New Zealanders to help make sure the World Cup is a success by being excellent hosts.  Volunteering is one way to get involved in the biggest and most exciting sporting event New Zealand has ever hosted.

Michael and the Rugby World Cup team are on a nationwide volunteer recruitment road show to encourage New Zealanders to sign up.  Find out more here.

FROM MY DIARY

It was good to get out and about in Tauranga with local MPs Simon Bridges and Tony Ryall yesterday (click for photos). I chatted to lots of locals and had a busy day, including opening the North Island Mussel Processors' factory.

We've been busy talking about Budget 2010 in Parliament again this week. To find out how the tax changes will affect you, visit our tax calculator at www.taxguide.govt.nz. You can also see my Budget video here. 

Best wishes

John Key
Prime Minister

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