Deputy Prime Minister 

Key in desperate bid to backtrack on tax commitment

29.09.2008

John Key continues to make up his party's policies on the hoof, this morning totally contradicting the expectations he and his deputy have repeatedly made on the size of personal tax cuts that would be delivered were National to win the election.

"Today John Key says that National would not deliver an extra $50 a week in tax relief over and above what Labour in government legislated for in Budget 2008," Finance Minister Michael Cullen said today.

Mr Key now says that when he made his earlier commitments for an additional $50 a week...  more +

Key fails to rule out funding from Lord Ashcroft

09.09.2008

John Key needs to explain exactly what relationship the New Zealand National Party has with multi-million dollar political donor Lord Michael Ashcroft after failing to deny serious allegations in Parliament today, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said.

Today during question time, the Prime Minister raised the possibility that Lord Ashcroft could be providing financial assistance to the National Party without donating directly to the Party. John Key did not make any attempt to deny the suggestion as an MP normally would if an inaccurate suggesti...  more +

Key should explain Lord Ashcroft link with Crosby-Textor

03.09.2008

After another day of evasive answers and lies from John Key, the National Leader should explain exactly what the purpose of his meeting with Lord Ashcroft was, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said.

During an embarrassing interview on Monday, Mr Key eventually admitted that he had had a meeting Lord Michael Ashcroft - the Deputy Chair of the British  more +

A truly sustainable primary sector for New Zealand

28.11.2007

Acting Prime Minister's Opening Speech to Primary Industries 2020 – The Primary Industries Summit, Christchurch

Good morning to all of you and welcome to Primary Industries 2020 - the Primary Industries Summit.

I want to start by passing on a welcome from Prime Minister Helen Clark. She is unable to open today's summit as she is in Germany where she has been meeting with Chancellor Angela...  more +