Post-Cabinet Press Conference 9 February 2015

In a press conference held today in Wellington, Prime Minister John Key discussed the cricket world cup, New Zealanders fighting in Syria and the our army’s role in Iraq, lack of housing in Auckland and the issue of Maori sovereignty.

The cricket world cup will be dual hosted by New Zealand and Australia and begins on February 14 at the newly-built Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Key denied claims that Kiwis are missing out on media jobs for the events because Singaporean company Star Sports have secured the broadcasting rights to the games.

Key confirmed that were roughly six New Zealand citizens fighting in either Syria or Iraq and that some of their identities are known.

Key stressed the New Zealand army’s role in Iraq would be strictly in a training capacity.

Key said that there is a capability to build 39,000 homes over 3-5 years in response to the 14,000 housing shortage in Auckland at the moment.

He strongly disagreed with Labour Leader Andrew Little’s proposal that Maori receive their own sovereignty in New Zealand.

“Andrew Little is basically suggesting we head down a path of separatism” said Key, and that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed for co-habitation between Maori and Pakeha.

ENDS

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