Hectic schedule for PM's New York visit

Prime Minister John Key is expected to get his first handshake with United States President Barack Obama when he heads to New York next week.

Mr Key may also get the chance to be lampooned by talkshow host David Letterman and will meet his old nemesis, Helen Clark.

The PM leaves on Monday to join other world leaders attending the opening of the United National General Assembly and will deliver New Zealand's speech to the assembly later in the week.

While in New York Mr Key will attend the opening of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Climate Change Summit as well as hold bilateral meetings with the secretary-general and other leaders.

Mr Key will attend a function hosted by Mr Obama in what diplomats call a "pull aside" - a handshake and a brief discussion.

Mr Key said he expects to spend more time with Mr Obama at the Asean summit later this year.

He will meet former prime minister Helen Clark, who is now the head of the UN Development Programme and attend the Clinton Global Initiative to discuss global challenges such as health, poverty and climate change.

Mr Key will visit the New York Stock Exchange and is lined up to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA