In terms of having views and being prepared to express them, yes, I think New Zealand's had a leadership role in a lot of things.

Senator Obama will be taking office at a critical juncture. There are many pressing challenges facing the international community, including the global financial crisis and global warming. We look forward to working closely with President-elect Obama and his team to address these challenges.

If you neglect those who are currently poor and stable, you may create more poor and unstable people. There has been a tremendous concentration of donor interest in countries that are seen as particularly fragile - but it becomes harder to mobilise money for sub-Saharan, plain poor countries.

In the end, there will always be a fundamental difference of perspective between New Zealand and Australia on defense, whoever is in government.

Marine protected areas, and particularly no-take zones, are very effective in allowing regeneration of fish stocks.

Of course I have an opinion on many things but I don't micromanage.

Health and education are always issues.