Key Notes: Visiting South Korea and the Solomon Islands

Marking the end of the Korean War

Last night I arrived in South Korea.  I'm here with some of the veterans who fought in the Korean War.  Today marks the 60th anniversary of the armistice of the Korean War.

New Zealand's contribution to the Korean War was significant for a country our size. 6000 New Zealand personnel served in Korea between 1950 and 1957, and 45 lost their lives.

While I'm here, I'll be meeting with Korea's new President Park Geun-hye at the "Blue House" in Seoul.  New Zealand and South Korea have a very strong relationship.  We're working towards a free trade agreement so New Zealand companies can compete on an equal footing in the Korean marketplace with the United States and other countries that have a free-trade agreement with South Korea.

Visiting the Solomon Islands

On Wednesday I visited Honiara in the Solomon Islands to mark 10 years of RAMSI - the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.

RAMSI was formed in 2003 at the request of the Solomon Islands' Government after a period of civil disorder. The past 10 years have seen a transition to security and stability in the Solomon Islands.  I'd like to thank the New Zealand personnel who have made a lasting contribution to the Solomon Islands.

To mark the anniversary, I announced the people of New Zealand have gifted a children's playground to the Solomon Islands.  This is an appropriate way to look towards the future for Solomon Islanders.

Acknowledging the contribution of local government

Before I left for Honiara, I spent Tuesday in Hamilton.  I spoke at the annual Local Government New Zealand conference.  This event is a great opportunity to catch up with local government representatives and to thank them for the work they do in our communities.

I discussed our Local Government Reforms, how local government can help ease pressure on housing affordability, and the role of local government during emergencies.  I thanked the local government representatives from the upper South and lower North Islands for their work in the wake of this week's earthquakes.

It's important for New Zealand's future economic success that central and local government work well together. We have different core functions, but both are important for New Zealand.

In October, local body and district health board elections will be taking place.  Make sure you vote.

Did you miss our welfare reforms coming into force?

Last week, the second phase of National's welfare reforms came into force. 

We're fundamentally changing the welfare system and introducing clear work expectations.  We're investing in people to reduce long-term welfare dependency. We're helping people up-skill and prepare for work and we're connecting them to jobs.

We're also ensuring children access vital services like doctor visits and early childhood education through clear social obligations for parents.

Welcoming the Royal baby

I joined many Commonwealth leaders in congratulating Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the birth of their first child - Prince George of Cambridge.  Like all new parents, I am sure they're finding this an exciting time.  I know they'll be wonderful parents. 

New Zealand's official gift to the Royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one that New Zealand gave when Prince William was born.
Regards,
John Key
Prime Minister

ENDS

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