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

As New Zealanders, we've been in on the United Nations from the very beginning, played a role in the drafting of the charter - it means a lot to us that those processes are followed.

I felt really compromised. I think legal marriage is unnecessary and I would not have formalised the relationship [with husband Peter Davis] except for going into Parliament. I have always railed against it privately.

I think the issue of North Korea is one where the international community as a whole has to work to resolve the crisis.

Health and education are always issues.

We need a lot of thinking and ideas. We need all the innovators, particularly with the new sustainable technologies - how do we get them to affordability so that people can generate clean energy?

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