KEY POINTS:
New National leader John Key will focus on race relations and welfare in a speech today outlining his "personal values", signalling a less divisive approach to the issues than former leader Don Brash.
Following his election unopposed as leader yesterday, Mr Key refused to go into detail about
his stance on Treaty issues, saying it was not the day to get into policy discussion.
But in a hint of the change to come he said: "I believe in a tolerant and inclusive New Zealand, I believe in a society which is there for the benefit of all New Zealanders, and I think that the future of New Zealand must be a New Zealand that everyone feels they have a stake in."
Last night he said he wanted more debate on "national pride and confidence and what binds us together", not what divides people.
Mr Key, together with his new deputy, Bill English, expects to unveil his line-up by the end of the week. Major changes are not expected.
Still uncertain is the future of Dr Brash, who has said he will stay in Parliament only if given a "significant" portfolio. Sources have indicated he has almost no chance of remaining on the front bench.
Mr Key sent no encouraging signals to the former leader yesterday.
He declined to say he had a future with National, despite being pressed several times. "Look I'm not going to prejudice any of those discussions, I want to sit down and talk to him about the position going forward about his views on those matters, but that'll be an open discussion we have in a few days' time."
Dr Brash said he wasn't reading anything into Mr Key's comments, noting rearranging portfolios was always a fraught task.
Mr Key said he "wouldn't over-hype" the reshuffle but had been discussing it with Mr English and "it's looking good".
Up for grabs are Mr English's education portfolio and Gerry Brownlee's Maori Affairs and Treaty Negotiations jobs.
Katherine Rich, sidelined by Dr Brash after her opposition to his Orewa welfare speech which saw her stripped of the portfolio, is considered the frontrunner for education.
She and eighth-ranked Judith Collins are the only two women on the front bench and it is believed there is a desire for a more highly ranked woman. Mrs Collins is likely to retain the welfare job, although it could yet go to Mrs Rich.
Mr Brownlee wants Nick Smith's energy portfolio and is likely to get it.
Former Maori Affairs Minister Tau Henare has put his hand up for Maori Affairs and is considered a front-runner, while lawyer Chris Finlayson is most likely to get the Treaty portfolio.
One caucus job to be ditched is that of "political correctness eradicator" created by Dr Brash.
"I think it detracts from the serious business of government," Mr Key told the Herald. "I see it [the role] as a sideshow."
He promised a "comprehensive and impressive policy agenda that tackles issues relevant to all New Zealanders".
"Can I also say to you that I have witnessed some of the lessons of MMP and I have learnt. I will be reaching out to develop and maintain durable relationships with all political parties in the New Zealand Parliament."
Helen Clark said: "There are certainly issues around which I think there could be more bipartisanship and we would be happy to explore those with Mr Key."
* Additional reporting by Mike Houlahan and John Armstrong
