Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is to meet Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte in Manila.

Even British Prime Minister Theresa May cannot get between these two best buddies.

Meat and green-lipped mussels had PM John Key back in more comfortable territory on a trade trip in Bangkok, after days of scrutiny of his reaction to Sri Lanka's human rights.

Stronger trade ties with Asia's major economies will strengthen NZ's economy, John Key says.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is to visit NZ for talks early next year likely to yield progress in aligning the two nations' economies, says John Key.

After what had potential to be a very bumpy journey after a weather radar problem on the plane, New Zealand has arrived at the East Asia Summit.

The kiwi dollar has fallen below 75US cents as more signs of recovery in the US economy are seen.

John Key says the signing of a free trade deal with Malaysia is another vital move towards a "step change" for the NZ economy.

New Zealand will not consider the unilateral reduction of any tariffs until 2015 at the earliest, says Trade Minister Tim Groser.