Prime Minister uses United Nations speech to blast members over the lack of action to stop bloodshed in war-torn nations like Syria.

When PM John Key arrived at the First Ave UNDP offices on a muggy, drizzly NY day, he carried two bottles of wine for his predecessor, Helen Clark.

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 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.

Prime Minister John Key said he believes there is a growing momentum toward agreement on a Trans Pacific Partnership deal this week.

McCully says Goals set by the United Nations need to be more than a feel-good measure and aid has to be better targeted.

PM John Key arrives in NY today to join about 160 other world leaders for a UN General Assembly week in which Syria is again expected to overshadow the main business of the week.

A Kiribati family who claimed to be the world's first refugees from climate change will have to leave their rented house in West Auckland after the father was detained this week.

The United Nations' General Assembly has decided to introduce greater transparency to the selection process for its next Secretary-General.

Immigration Minister confirms New Zealand will take a total of 750 Syrian refugees - 600 in an emergency intake over and above the usual annual quota of 750.

David Hyde, who caused an uproar after he was reportedly living in a tent, has admitted he arranged for his situation to be leaked to the media.

Mother of the young man who was forced to rough it during his unpaid internship at the UN says she hopes his stance will bring about change.

By day he wore a suit and worked for one of the world's most powerful organisations. By night he lived in a tent.

David Hyde couldn't afford accommodation in one of the world's most expensive cities. Now locals have come to his rescue.

The Security Council chamber at the United Nations was full of small island states yesterday, with nations debating the impacts of climate change, crime, and illegal fishing.

NZ Herald Political editor Audrey Young sits down with Foreign Minister Murray McCully in New York to reflect on his job and his latest experience.

Over 70 countries joined a New Zealand-sponsored debate at the Security Council early today (NZ time) on peace and security in small island developing states (SIDS).

From the outside, the Security Council looks like a shed out the back of the United Nations.

It was what Murray McCully called a "bad day for the Security Council" after Russia stopped an international tribunal being set up to prosecute the people who shot down MH17.

What happens when the Secretary General's term ends next year is only faintly more transparent than appointing a new Pope, writes Audrey Young.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully has thanked US Secretary of State John Kerry for his "patient and effective diplomacy" in putting the Iran nuclear deal together.

The council's decision-making process was on the agenda - and snapper and mini pavs were on the menu.