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

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.

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

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.

I only take on roles that I'm passionate about. Life is too short to do things that you're not happy with.

In terms of protecting ourselves, the main issues are around how do we protect our borders [from illegal migrants and livestock and plant diseases], how do we protect our fisheries?

I don't know that you're ever going to persuade New Zealanders that they're not going to own their own homes and I'm not going to try.