Prime Minister John Key has welcomed news that New Zealanders will have a chance to see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo live in Wellington.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo today announced that it will return to Westpac Stadium for the second time in its 65-year history, as part of the New Zealand Festival in 2016.

The Tattoo will showcase the talents of 1200 military and cultural performers from around the world, including our own kapa haka group, and winners of Te Matatini, Te Whānau a Apanui, and will include a moving tribute to our Anzac soldiers.

Prime Minister John Key today offered his congratulations to David Cameron on his re-election as British Prime Minister.

"I have sent David Cameron a brief message of congratulations, and hope to talk to him on the telephone over the next few days.  I will also be writing formally to him on behalf of the New Zealand Government," says Mr Key.

Prime Minister John Key has acknowledged the sudden passing of Ngati Hine leader Erima Henare.

Mr Henare was the son of the late Sir James Henare and Lady Rose Henare, and held a number of public and iwi leadership roles.

He was the chairman of the Maori Language Commission, executive director of Maori at the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, a member of the Waitangi National Trust Board, and an adviser to the Maori King, Tuheitia Paki.

“I am saddened to learn of Mr Henare’s passing,” says Mr Key.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key has announced a further $3 million will be invested in 2015/16 to help fund the completion of Northland’s Twin Coast Cycle Trail Pou Herenga Tai.

The Government is working with the Far North District Council on the 84km trail which will pass through the centre of the Far North District, from Hokianga Harbour on the west coast to the Bay of Islands on the east.

Prime Minister John Key has congratulated Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the birth of their second child, a girl.

“On behalf of the people of New Zealand I would like to congratulate Prince William, Catherine and Prince George on this wonderful news.

“This is a very special time for any family. The Duke and Duchess are excellent parents and I am sure Prince George will adore his new little sister.”

Prime Minister John Key today released further details of Prince Harry’s visit to New Zealand from May 9 -16.

“I am delighted Prince Harry is visiting New Zealand. The Prince has asked to meet a wide range of New Zealanders so his programme has been designed with that in mind,” says Mr Key.

“I’m confident Prince Harry will have a fabulous time here and I encourage all New Zealanders to take the opportunity to go and see him.”

Prime Minister John Key today officially opened the new premises of the New Zealand Consulate-General in Dubai.

The new office will house the Consulate, and offices of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Immigration NZ, and the Ministry of Primary Industries.

“This new office reflects our continued commitment to develop a closer relationship with the Gulf region,” Mr Key says.

“It is a signal of New Zealand’s increased investment our growing footprint  in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider region.”

The Prime Minister has kicked off the Gulf trade mission by meeting the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and leading business figures.

“These meetings gave me an opportunity to promote New Zealand business and talk about the benefits of our trade and investment relationship,” Mr Key says

Prime Minister John Key addressed the International Peace Summit in Istanbul, where historic bonds and current security challenges were common topics.

“It’s important to acknowledge the bonds forged between New Zealand, Australia and Turkey through acts of kindness and gallantry on both sides of the battle of Gallipoli and the forgiveness and respect that subsequently grew,” says Mr Key.

Prime Minister Key spoke to hundreds of delegates alongside the Prime Ministers of Australia and Turkey, and the President of Iraq.

Prime Minister John Key will lead an 18-member New Zealand business delegation to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait from 26 April to 1 May.

This will be the first visit by a New Zealand Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia.

“The visit is an opportunity to strengthen and grow trade and business links between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and New Zealand,” says Mr Key.

It will also provide the opportunity to progress the conclusion of the NZ-GCC free trade agreement.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key has welcomed Air New Zealand’s announcement that it will begin operating direct flights between Houston and New Zealand.

The new service will provide for a more direct route for the millions of US citizens living in the south and east of the country, and for New Zealanders heading in the opposite direction.

“We already get thousands of visitors a year from states such as Texas, Florida and New York and this new service should allow us to boost those numbers further,” says Mr Key.

Prime Minister John Key today announced Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s second official visit to New Zealand.  

Prime Minister Abbott and his accompanying delegation will arrive in Wellington on Sunday night to take part in the Anzac centenary commemorations.

“It is great to be able to welcome Prime Minister Abbott back to New Zealand so soon after his first visit in February for the Australia-New Zealand leaders’ talks,” says Mr Key. 

Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key released today further details on Prince Harry’s visit to New Zealand in May.

“Prince Harry will arrive in Wellington on Saturday 9 May and will leave New Zealand from Auckland on Saturday 16 May.

“An interesting programme is being planned for Prince Harry to try and meet a wide a range of New Zealanders in different communities,” says Mr Key.

During the week he is here Prince Harry will visit Stewart Island, Christchurch, Wellington, Linton, Whanganui and Auckland.

Prime Minister John Key says Paid Parental Leave, the parental tax credit, the minimum wage and Superannuation will increase, while average ACC levies will fall, and more people will be helped in to home ownership from tomorrow.

“The National-led Government has focused on ensuring gains from our growing economy flow through to families and these measures demonstrate that.”

A range of Government policies come into force from April 1 including: