John Key's career highlights and lowlights
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced he is quitting after eight years in the top job and just months from a national election.
But Key - who says he's not a a career politician - says it's the right time for him to step down and the decision was his alone.
In light of him stepping down as Prime Minister, here's a look at Key's career highlights and low points:
Economy:
The government guided the economy through the Global Financial Crisis, with economists branding New Zealand the "rockstar economy" of the OECD in 2014 and the dollar taking a hit on Mr Key's resignation.
But it also only announced its first surplus in 2015 despite long-time promises.
John Key and wife Bronagh attend a Pike River Mine memorial. Photo: SNPA
Disasters:
Key also led the nation through the Christchurch earthquakes and rebuild, the Pike River Mine disaster and recently the Kaikoura quake - all which continue to make national headlines.
Reform:
Since 2008, the government has passed wide-ranging and often controversial reforms, including tax cuts, welfare reforms, labour law changes, an overhaul of the justice sector and a partial selldown of state assets.
Polls:
Under Mr Key's leadership National has polled consistently well, still nudging 50 per cent in some research ahead of his third-term resignation.
Flag:
The PM was left disappointed after championing an unsuccessful campaign to change the country's flag earlier this year - seen by some as a "legacy project".
Ponytail:
He came under fire and made global headlines after pulling 26-year-old Auckland waitress Amanda Bailey's hair against her wishes while she was working.
Key was a supporter of the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. Photo: Getty
TPPA:
Mr Key oversaw the signing of the much-protested Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement - and was still championing the deal days before it was put on ice by US President-Elect Donald Trump.
The Prime Minister also gained a reputation for occasional awkwardness over the years: being caught in a three-way handshake with Richie McCaw at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, showing off some less than elegant dance moves and drawing fire over a few radio interviews which struck some as too casual.
– With NZN
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