GO THE ALL BLACKS

Tonight I'll be at Eden Park for the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and to watch the All Blacks play Tonga. Like millions of other Kiwis, I'm backing Richie and the team all the way to bring home the Webb Ellis Cup.

New Zealand will be in celebration mode for the next six weeks, with great rugby games and festival events happening all over the country. I'd like to thank everyone who is getting behind this tournament, taking part in the REAL New Zealand Festival, and welcoming visitors to our shores.

Visit www.nz2011.govt.nz to find out more about what's happening in your area.  

HOSTING THE PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM

This week I've been in Auckland to host the 40th anniversary Pacific Islands Forum. It's been a great chance to catch up with leaders from across the region. This year we've been focusing on building on the Pacific region's strengths, particularly in fisheries, tourism, and energy.

I've made a number of announcements, including a public-private partnership to build on the cruise ship industry in the Pacific,  improvements to Pacific disaster management systems, and support for improved maritime safety.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and I announced a joint education initiative and also swapped rugby jerseys - I gave her an All Blacks' one and she gave me a Wallabies' one.

I'm looking forward to hosting some of the leaders at the All Blacks versus Tonga match tonight.  

Click here to see photos of the Forum and here to watch a video from the Forum featuring Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully.

REBUILDING CANTERBURY

On Monday Cabinet met in Christchurch to mark the one-year anniversary of the first Canterbury earthquake. I admire the people of Canterbury for their commitment to the region. They've really pulled together and supported each other over the past year.

At our meeting we approved the appointment of barrister Marcus Elliott as counsel assisting the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Canterbury earthquakes. He'll focus on representing the interests of victims' families.

We also approved the release of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority's draft Recovery Strategy for public consultation.

After Cabinet I announced that Christchurch is getting a new Trades Academy. The Government is doubling the number of promised new Trades Academies, which will bring the total throughout New Zealand to 21 - and Christchurch will get the first new one.

The Government remains committed to helping greater Christchurch rebuild and we've set aside $5.5 billion over the next six years to do that. It's also great we've had so many generous donations to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust. It has allocated $70 million to community projects, out of the $100 million received and pledged.  

DELIVERING BETTER HEALTHCARE

On Tuesday Health Minister Tony Ryall announced more great progress by our public health service. In the year ended June 30, a record 145,414 patients got the elective surgery they needed. This includes important operations on hips, other joints, cataracts, and grommets.

The record increase is made possible by the National-led Government's biggest-ever investment in health, and the hard work of many committed health professionals throughout New Zealand.

FROM MY DIARY

I'll start next week in Wellington, before heading to Auckland on Wednesday afternoon to open the Auckland International Boat Show. Then I'll be visiting New Plymouth and Hamilton later in the week.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

 
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REMEMBERING CORPORAL DOUG GRANT

Yesterday I went to the private SAS memorial service for Corporal Doug Grant.

Corporal Grant, who was 41 years old, was killed in Afghanistan last Friday. He was shot while trying to rescue hostages from the British Council offices in Kabul, and died on the way to hospital.

His death is a stark reminder of the dangers our Defence Force personnel face while serving in Afghanistan.

My thoughts are with Corporal Grant's wife, Tina, his two young children, and his whole family. On Monday I'll be attending the Defence Force funeral at Linton Army Camp.

BUILDING FASTER BROADBAND

This week Communications and IT Minister Steven Joyce announced that more than 50,000 premises will get fibre for ultra-fast broadband in the next year. This includes homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.

Broadband is a big part of National's plan for a faster-growing economy. Under our ultra-fast broadband initiative, 75 per cent of Kiwis will gain access to broadband speeds of 100Mbps or better over the next eight years. That's about 50 times the speeds currently available.

Our $300 million Rural Broadband Initiative will also make sure our rural homes, schools, and businesses get improved broadband speeds.  

This work will make a huge difference to the lives of Kiwis. It'll help us overcome our distance from the rest of the world, create jobs, boost incomes, and build a stronger economy.

Click here to read more about National's work to build faster broadband.

HOSTING RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011

It's only two weeks to go until the Rugby World Cup kicks off. This is a really exciting time for New Zealand. It presents us with a huge opportunity to showcase our country and all we have to offer. We're expecting about 95,000 visitors from overseas and millions more will be watching from home.

I hope you make the most of the chance to enjoy some great rugby, support our team, and take part in festival events all over the country. I encourage you to buy tickets for a game or two if you haven't already, and have a look at the REAL New Zealand Festival programme at www.realnzfestival.com.  

MINISTERS MEETING IN CHRISTCHURCH

I recently announced that Cabinet will meet in Christchurch on 5 September, to mark the anniversary of the first Canterbury earthquake that struck on 4 September 2010. It'll be the first time Cabinet has met outside Wellington in 16 years. After the Cabinet meeting, we hope to be able to give a full update on our progress in Canterbury so far.

FROM MY DIARY

This week Parliament was in recess, so I took the chance to get out and meet people around New Zealand. I spent some time visiting the locals in Otaki and Whanganui (click here for photos), before heading up to Auckland. This morning I spoke at a Howick/Pakuranga Grey Power meeting.

Tonight I'm going to the opening night of the World of WearableArt Awards Show in Wellington, which I'm sure will be a great evening.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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BUILDING A MORE EFFECTIVE WELFARE SYSTEM

Yesterday I gave a speech at the National Party Annual Conference in Wellington. You can read it here or watch it on YouTube here. 

In my speech, I announced the first of National's changes to reduce long-term benefit dependency. Our first step is focused on young people. Following this, you can expect to see several other changes as we work through the Welfare Working Group's recommendations.

I believe very strongly in the welfare state. When I was growing up, my mother was on the Widow's Benefit for a time and we lived in a state house. I'm really grateful for the opportunities the welfare state gave me.

But as a country, we need to have a hard look at where the welfare system has got to. I don't think our welfare system today is what its architects had in mind.  

That's why National has a new approach to reduce long-term benefit dependency. The changes I announced today are in two parts. I've explained them below.  

NATIONAL'S WELFARE CHANGES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

First, we're changing the way we support all 16- and 17-year-olds who are not in education, training or work - regardless of whether they're receiving a benefit.

We're making changes to find out who these young people are, because too many of them are on a collision course with the benefit system.

Schools will be required to tell us when 16- and 17-year-olds leave during the year. That means we'll actually know who the at-risk young people in our communities are.

We'll then fund organisations such as NGOs and private providers to support and mentor these kids. We're also boosting the number of places in training programmes such as the Youth Guarantee and Trades Academies.

Second, we're taking a more hands-on approach to young people on benefits, with the exception of those on the Invalid's Benefit.

We're going to provide comprehensive and concentrated support for these vulnerable teens. This includes helping them manage their money within their budget.

We're also going to make sure they meet their obligations, which includes getting into education, training or work. They must also attend programmes if required, such as budgeting or parenting programmes.

Click here to read a one-page summary of our changes for young people.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS

I had a great time at the conference over the weekend and enjoyed catching up with National Party members. It was good to see so many there in support of this National-led Government.

This year marks 75 years since the Party was founded, so we took the chance to celebrate this milestone at dinner on Saturday night. After 75 years, National still stands for a safe, prosperous, and successful New Zealand where all Kiwis have the opportunity to get ahead and realise their personal goals.

We've made great progress for New Zealand in the past few years. But there's still a lot to do, and I know that our strong team of MPs and Ministers are full of enthusiasm for the work ahead.

BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY

Recently we've seen some of the world's biggest economies struggling. We've seen just how volatile the world's financial markets can be.

National has taken several steps to make sure the impact on New Zealanders is minimised. Thanks to our strong economic management, we're actually better placed than many other countries to face this uncertain environment.

We're getting on top of debt by keeping it below 30 per cent of GDP and we'll be back in surplus by at least 2014/15. Our economy is growing, and households and businesses have been saving more and shifting away from an excessive reliance on borrowing.

Watch Finance Minister Bill English's video on the situation here.

PRESENTING MY PACIFIC YOUTH AWARDS

Last Wednesday I presented my Pacific Youth Awards to six talented young New Zealanders. In order to build a brighter future for New Zealand, we have to capitalise on the skills and talents of all Kiwis. That's why it's great to see such talent among our Pacific communities.

See photos of the award ceremony here.

FROM MY DIARY

Today I announced the state funeral for Sir Paul Reeves. Sir Paul was New Zealand's first Maori Governor-General and he made an enormous contribution to our country. He passed away yesterday.

Last Thursday I gave a speech at the University of Auckland about the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum to be held in Auckland.

I was in Christchurch on Friday to launch Restart the Heart - an initiative for CBD retailers that is being supported by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. 

On Wednesday this week I'll be attending the state farewell for Governor-General Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand. Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae will be sworn in as our new Governor-General on 31 August.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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BUILDING TIES WITH THE UNITED STATES

On Monday I'm going to the United States. This will be the last of my international travel for the year, as we head into the Rugby World Cup and, after that, the general election on 26 November.  

The US is one of our most important partners, so I hope the visit will help strengthen ties further. I'm looking forward to meeting President Obama in the Oval Office. I'll also speak to the United States Chamber of Commerce and meet a number of senior government leaders.

Earlier in the week I'll be on the West Coast, visiting Google and Facebook and catching up with people from the film industry.

GROWING THE ECONOMY

Yesterday Finance Minister Bill English welcomed the news that our economy grew 0.8 per cent in the March quarter. 

Our gross domestic product has grown in the seven of the past eight quarters. This shows how resilient our economy is, particularly after the recession and the Canterbury earthquakes.

As our economy picks up, National will continue to build the foundations for long-term economic growth, based on savings and exports.

REBUILDING CANTERBURY

I spent yesterday in Christchurch and launched Westpac's Red and Black Bonds. The bonds will help raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Since the Appeal was set up in February, people from all over New Zealand and the world have dug deep to help Christchurch recover. That generosity means the Appeal can fund worthy projects that will make a difference for the people of Christchurch.

The Appeal's latest projects include accommodation for community organisations, small businesses and CBD retailers; assistance for Women's Refuge; an arts programme for school pupils; and a community facility for children in the eastern suburbs.  

To donate, visit www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz. 

KEEPING THE COST OF LIVING DOWN

On Monday ACC Minister Nick Smith and I announced new ACC levies for consultation for next year. These proposed levy reductions will put half a billion dollars a year back into the economy and help keep the cost of living down.

Someone on the average wage would save about $170 a year. A typical Kiwi small business with seven employees would save $1120 a year.

WORKING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT

I opened the Local Government New Zealand Conference on Monday. I spoke about progress in Auckland since the governance reforms and about local government's role in the Canterbury earthquake recovery. It was also a chance to thank the local government sector for the hard work communities all over New Zealand are putting in ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

Click here to read my speech. 

FIXING LEAKY HOMES

The Government's financial assistance package for owners of leaky homes was passed by Parliament this week. It's a fair and effective package, which will help qualifying homeowners get their homes fixed faster and get on with their lives. Under the package, the Government and local authorities each contribute 25 per cent of agreed repair costs, and affected homeowners fund the remaining 50 per cent.

Visit www.dbh.govt.nz for further information.

FROM MY DIARY

I'm in Auckland today. I launched The Telecom Foundation, and caught up with the All Blacks, amongst other events.

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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BOOSTING TRADE WITH INDIA

On Friday I got back from a five-day visit to India.

In New Delhi I met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to build stronger ties between our two countries.

Two-way trade between our countries is already worth more than $1 billion a year and we want to boost that further. Finalising a Free Trade Agreement with India was always going to be a complex process. But being on the ground has made me more confident than ever that we're making good progress towards the conclusion of the deal, scheduled for early next year.

I also visited Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, to play a bit of cricket with Stephen Fleming and announce some new sports scholarships. And I enjoyed a quick visit to the impressive Taj Mahal with my wife Bronagh.

In Mumbai I went to Film City where the Bollywood movie Players is being filmed. It's one of many Bollywood films which have been partly produced in New Zealand. Prime Minister Singh and I signed an agreement that makes film co-production easier.  As Tourism Minister I appreciate the immense value of having New Zealand scenery on show in films with such a huge audience.

I also got the chance to pay my respects to victims of the 2008 Mumbai Terrorist Attacks at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.

Check out photos of my trip here.

UNCLOGGING THE GROWTH ARTERIES

Yesterday I launched the second National Infrastructure Plan with Bill English and Steven Joyce.

Since we came into government, we've been working hard to improve this country's productive infrastructure because we know it's a driver of economic growth.

The plan shows the Government will spend more than $17 billion over four years on assets such as schools, hospitals, state houses, prisons, roads, broadband, and rail. This will help support jobs and build the foundations for economic growth.

Click here to read the National Infrastructure Plan.

BETTER BROADBAND

Last week the roll out of fast broadband to our rural communities got underway. On Thursday the first three rural schools connected to ultra-fast fibre - Henderson Valley School in West Auckland, Te Kura o Omaio in the Bay of Plenty, and Granity School on the South Island's West Coast.

Broadband is a key part of National's plan to build a stronger economy, lift wages, and provide the world-class health and education services families need.

Our $300 million Rural Broadband Initiative will bring fast broadband to rural schools, businesses, and households. This is complemented by our $1.5 billion urban ultra-fast broadband initiative, which will deliver broadband speeds of 100 Megabits per second to 75 per cent of Kiwis where they live, work, and study by 2019.

FROM MY DIARY

Yesterday I announced the re-appointment of my Chief Science Adviser Sir Peter Gluckman for another two years. 

Tonight I'm attending a state dinner for His Majesty King Tupou V of Tonga. On Thursday I'll be in Hamilton for the day, and in the evening I'll be speaking at a public meeting hosted by the Waikato Times.  

Best wishes,

John Key
Prime Minister

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