Leaders' blog: Thursday, November 6, 2008

Helen Clark's log: 06-11-2008

Yesterday I was in Auckland where I visited Selwyn Village retirement home.

Selwyn used to be in my Mt Albert electorate before the boundary changed, and during that time I got to know the residents and staff well. It was great to get back yesterday to connect with the people there.

I also spent time catching up with the amazing scenes from the US election.

I have extended my congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama on what has been a truly historic day for the US and the world. He will become the first African American President.

It has been a fascinating campaign, and its ups and downs have gripped the world. It stretches back nearly two years to the beginning of the primary elections to choose the nominees for the Democrat and Republican parties.

Barack Obama and John McCain have both shown tremendous stamina during a hard fought campaign.

John McCain has competed very strongly and I wish him well for the future.

New Zealand already has a good relationship with the US and we look forward to building on that relationship with the new administration. I am confident that the good relations between Labour and the Democrats will also help the process.

Barack Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture with many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming.

He has a big job ahead of him.

What to watch for today: a busy campaign day around Auckland

Helen Clark

John Key's log: 06-11-2008

Ahead of last night's final TV debate, I spent the day in Auckland yesterday appearing on various radio shows and visiting a school in South Auckland to announce funding for faster broadband.

The day started with appearances on a number of radio stations, including commercial stations and two Pacific Island stations.

From there I did an hour of talkback with Leighton Smith on Newstalk ZB and an hour with Willie Jackson and John Tamihere on Radio Live.

In between the two talkback shows, I visited Clover Park School in Otara to look at their innovative Computer Clubhouse and announce National will invest at least $150 million over the next three years to ensure schools can make the most of ultra-fast broadband.

I've previously announced our plan to invest up to $1.5 billion to accelerate the roll-out of ultra-fast broadband to 75 per cent of New Zealanders.

Clover Park is a computer-savvy school that makes the most of ultra-fast broadband. The pupils here are being equipped with 21st century skills and the use of cutting-edge information technology.

I believe too many young New Zealanders are missing out on opportunities like these.

I want all schools to be able to provide amazing learning environments like that enjoyed by the pupils at Clover Park.

Today I'm off on a whistlestop tour of various New Zealand centres as the campaign draws to an end.

John Key