"I do believe that New Zealand can show the way," says former Prime Minister.

New Zealand provides a model of religious tolerance for the rest of the world, former Prime Minister Helen Clark said yesterday.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark today declined to say whether she plans to enter the contest as United Nations' Secretary General but hinted it could come later.

With the approach of summer in Europe, leaders of the European Union last week made what seems a good deal for genuine asylum seekers.

As the Syrian conflict approaches its fifth anniversary, not far across the border in Jordan an altogether more hopeful milestone is being celebrated.

Plummeting numbers of bees, butterflies and other insect populations are placing world food supplies under threat, a United Nations report has warned.

There is little downside for Key in supporting Clark. She is still a highly respected and popular figure in New Zealand, writes Audrey Young.

The United Nations has officially declared 2016 the year of the bean.

NZ is leading urgent talks at the UN on a desperate humanitarian crisis in the Syrian town of Madaya, where besieged residents are reported to be dying of starvation.

Speculation that Helen Clark will apply for the top job at the United Nations is ramping up.

Two international reports have slated New Zealand's climate change efforts as UN negotiations in Paris ramp up in their final week.

Many of the world's leaders are set to be at an upcoming United Nations climate forum in Paris, and it will not be cancelled despite the terror attacks.

Australia has been grilled over its human rights record this week, appearing in the hot seat before the UN Human Rights Council for a performance review.

New Zealand plans to table a resolution at the United Nations Security Council to end a new wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Insiders tell the story of Helen Clark's relentless drive to get the job done, whatever it might be.

Sometimes it takes someone a little removed from the fray to put the right perspective on the TPP issue.

The Prime Minister said New Zealand was doing "the best we can" across a range of areas but did not rule out doing more if it was necessary.

Former PM Helen Clark rarely comments on New Zealand domestic issues, but made an exception when asked about the TPP as ministerial talks continue.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has launched a broadside against Russia and the Security Council in New York this morning.

PM John Key will use his address to the UN to again call for reform of the Security Council, in a week in which its failings have been on display.

Prime Minister John Key says he has no intention of extending NZ's two year deployment to Iraq despite Barack Obama telling coalition partners it will be a long-term battle.

Prime Minister John Key is likely to make his first official visit to Fiji early next year after getting an invite from Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in their first official meeting.

Prime Minister John Key says he is still hopeful US President Barack Obama will visit New Zealand, saying there is no doubt Obama is keen but his people might not be.

Prime Minister John Key has ruled out promising more troops for UN peacekeeping missions but will not rule out specialist support such as intelligence.

Greens parties in Australia and New Zealand are jointly calling on the Australian Government to stop the indiscriminate deportation of New Zealand offenders from Australia.

Prime Minister says New Zealand will not rush to sign up to coalition against Islamic State proposed by Russian's President Vladimir Putin.

The real aim of Key's visit is the Trans Pacific Partnership, writes Claire Trevett. Talks are in the make-or-break stage in Atlanta and whether world peace emerges from the General Assembly or not,

Prime Minister John Key managed to get a moment with the President after Mr Obama spoke in the General Assembly debate at the United Nations.