PM's Press Conference: Not Blaming, Just Saying

Prime Minister John Key began today's press conference by discussing Civil Defence, ACC, and Youth Minister Nikki Kaye taking leave from her portfolios while undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

He also discussed NZ's diplomatic plans at the US for encouraging nations to commit to and end to the war in Syria, and letting the Security Council be more active at preventing major conflicts.

Questions on diplomatic matters also included the prospects for the TPP and whether we may need to fall back on maximizing existing trade deals, the possibility of ICUN recommendations for large marine protected areas (and local fishing industry consultation on this), international discussion on excess steel trading, whether MP Maurice Williamson - appointed as Consul-General in Los Angeles - will make a good diplomat, a possible post-Brexit trade deal with Britain, and whether Key's ongoing highlighting of poor statistics from Helen Clark's tenure as Prime Minister was consistent with his support for he bid to be UN Secretary- General. Key said 'at a personal level' Clark has lots of skills for the job.

Locally the housing market was a focus, with discussion of the opposition homelessness inquiry, possible further lending restrictions and difficulties getting loans for development. Other topics included the Local Government bill, immigration and the likelihood of retaining current residency targets, and possible date for next year's election.

Audio begins a few seconds into the press conference.

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