Appearing on Letterman, two chats with Barack Obama and announcing NZ's bid for the UN Security Council have helped raise NZ's profile on the world stage, says John Key.

NZ has plenty to offer the United Nations Security Council, John Key told the world's leaders today.

John Key uses this morning's speech to the UN General Assembly to launch NZ's bid for a Security Council seat. Climate change, trade and nuclear issues were also discussed.

Prime Minister John Key stood with his arms behind his back and a grin on his face as David Letterman took the proverbial out of New Zealand.

The Office says it will make "preliminary enquiries" into whether Bill English was right to claim a taxpayer-funded accommodation allowance.

Green MP Sue Bradford announces her resignation from Parliament saying she is returning to 'grassroots' politics.

Australian Prime Minister had a rather unusual backpacker knocking on his door yesterday morning - Kiwi Prime Minister John Key.

Greater powers are needed to censure private schools which are not up to scratch, the Law Commission has recommended.