In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Melbourne Cup, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington has loaned the skeleton of Phar Lap to Melbourne Musuem for display between 16 September 2010 and 30 January 2011.

More information can be found at the Te Papa website or the Melbourne Museum website.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday congratulated incumbent Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, for winning the right to govern after the hard-fought Australian federal election.

"Since the election two weeks ago, negotiations between parties have been intense. Here in New Zealand, we fully appreciate the effort that goes into these negotiations prior to forming a government, and I congratulate Ms Gillard for retaining the role of Prime Minister," says Mr Key.

Between 2 and 12 September, New Zealand's Giant Rugby Ball venue will be open to the public at Circular Quay in Sydney.

The inflatable Ball can hold up to 220 visitors and will provide a multi-media experience promoting New Zealand's tourism offerings.  At night it will be used to host trade and industry events showcasing the best of New Zealand.

The Giant Rugby Ball's presence in Sydney has been timed for the beginning of the one year to go countdown to Rugby World Cup 2011 on 9 September and the Bledisloe Cup match to be played in the city on 11 September.

On 5 August, Prime Minister John Key announced that New Zealand would host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2011.

The Pacific Islands Forum is the key regional body for leaders to discuss the political, economic and developmental issues facing the region.  Australia is also a member.

The Auckland event will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Forum, which held its first Leaders' Meeting in Wellington in 1971.