Prime Minister John Key has expressed deep sadness at the loss of life in the Pacific following a large earthquake and tsunami today.

"While the true extent of the damage is still unfolding, it is clear many people, particularly in Samoa, have lost their lives.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says animal welfare inspectors will now begin inspecting all properties owned by the Crafar farming family to ensure there are no cases of animal neglect.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has today announced a review of the National Pest Management Strategy for bovine tuberculosis.

Education Minister Anne Tolley's explanation today for her change of heart on making new entrant class sizes bigger does not add up, Labour's education spokesperson Trevor Mallard said today.

Thank you for inviting me to speak to you today. I would particularly like to acknowledge Law Commission President Sir Geoffrey Palmer and HANZ Chief Executive Bruce Robertson.

Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson should pull her finger out and do her bit to get Open Country Cheese employers around the table to sort out the ongoing employment dispute, Labour spokesperson on labour issues Trevor Mallard said today.

An Airforce P3 Orion is enroute to Samoa, and before dark may be able to join the coastal search for survivors of this morning's earthquake and tsunami, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said today.

Education Minister Anne Tolley's apparent concerns about the sector's under-performance for Maori students ring hollow in light of National's attempts to block a Maori Affairs select committee inquiry into the matter, says Labour MP Kelvin Davis.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has today announced a review of the National Pest Management Strategy for bovine tuberculosis.

The International Day of Older Persons is a great opportunity to honour, respect and acknowledge older New Zealanders, says Senior Citizens Minister John Carter.

The Day is celebrated on 1 October each year. This year's theme is "Towards a Society for all Ages".