We just sent our condolences to the President of the United States and the American people on what is a terrible, terrible tragedy.

I only take on roles that I'm passionate about.

Fortunately New Zealand doesn't have land borders so we are able to be somewhat more rigorous on who gets in and out of our country than perhaps some people.

I think it's inevitable that New Zealand will become a republic and that would reflect the reality that New Zealand is a totally sovereign-independent 21st century nation 12,000 miles from the United Kingdom.

It's fair to say that, for much of my lifetime, New Zealand certainly was a property-owning democracy and working people, ordinary people, had assets.

People are optimistic about the future.

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