Several of the world's weathiest countries also lay claim to a title they would not be so proud of - the biggest gaps between rich and poor.

Some have even said that Obama got the Nobel award just for not being George W Bush.

Maldives cabinet members will don scuba gear to highlight the threat of climate change on the low-lying country.

Air NZ chief executive Rob Fyfe has lashed out at dithering over cutting emissions, described climate talks as a 'bureaucratic circus'.

New Zealand has been named the 20th best country for quality of life by a UN report on migration and development.

Western intelligence agencies have known about Iran's second uranium enrichment plant, hidden in the mountains west of Qom, since construction began in 2006.

A UN Security Council resolution on nuclear non-proliferation is historic and significant, Prime Minister John Key says.

Barack Obama speaks glowingly of NZ during two quick chats with John Key in New York today.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged world leaders to never forget the human face of the global financial crisis.

Prime Minister John Key had a surprise meeting with United States President Barack Obama in New York today.