Labour MP Phil Goff says Australia should turn down Kevin Rudd's request to run for UN Secretary General and back Helen Clark because she was more likely to be successful.

Kevin Rudd has asked the Australian Government to formally nominate him for the Secretary General's role at the United Nations, which will pit him against Helen Clark.

COMMENT: Helen Clark has stormed through the transparent part of her bid to lead the United Nations.

COMMENT: Judging by Helen Clark's performance and the audience enthusiasm for her, she may be the UN Secretary General.

Helen Clark put in a strong performance in a debate between candidates for the United Nations' top job.

Helen Clark has criticised the United Nations' record on peace and security in a debate between candidates for the top UN's job.

Candidates vying to become next UN Secretary General, including Helen Clark, will face further public scrutiny today in a televised debate in New York.

A UN-backed international tribunal has ruled that China has no "historic title" over waters or resources in the South China Sea.

Helen Clark says the United Nations is feeling the effects of the slowing global economy and says conflicts around the world are adding to the problem.

Robert Martin has come a long way from an institution in Levin.

United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon says he's concerned by reports of violent clashes between students and police in Papua New Guinea.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark imposed sanctions on Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's regime after the 2006 coup.

Helen Clark says revelations about her tenure at the UN were 'totally fabricated'.

Helen Clark says allegations she retaliated against a critical investigation of the UN by driving one of the investigators out of their job are "totally fabricated".

New Zealand has criticised the United Nations Security Council for often being mired in paralysis and failure.

COMMENT: Murray McCully believes Helen Clark had the best start possible in the first phase of her bid to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations, writes Audrey Young.

Helen Clark's campaign to win the United Nations' top job might have received the ultimate celebrity backing.

Former Prime Minister grilled more than any other candidate for top UN job.

Helen Clark will be laying low in New York this week preparing for her crucial appearance at the UNGA early Friday about her bid to run the show.

COMMENT: Former Prime Minister and now United Nations high-flyer is a role model every Kiwi girl can look up to.

COMMENT: Glass of wine with Key is the symbolic recognition that several former political rivals now among loudest cheerleaders for top UN job.

As Helen Clark tosses her hat into the ring for the top UN job, Claire Trevett asks those who know her best what kind of world leader she will make.

Helen Clark is a front-runner to secure Secretary-General position.

MIKE HOSKING: Having Helen Clark at the top of the UN will give New Zealand more influence in the world.

Helen Clark is heading into uncharted territory, entering the first open contest to become the world's most important international diplomat.

From the day she landed on the third rung of the United Nations ladder, seven years ago next week, Helen Clark was intent on making it to the top, writes Barry Soper.

Helen Clark's bid for the top job at the UN gets unanimous support from NZ.

The announcement at long last that Helen Clark is a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the UN is one all NZers can greet with pride.