It’s quite a handle isn’t it: John Key on knighthood
Wellington: Former New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says he’s humbled to receive the highest accolade in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.
Mr Key, who PM for eight years before stepping down late last year has been made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the state. Speaking to RNZ about the honour, he said he thought the reality was that he would “pretty much remain as John.”
“It’s quite a handle, isn’t it ... you can just call me John and that will make life a lot easier.”
One of 186 people on this year’s honours list, he has been recognised for his achievements during a 14-year political career, which began when he was elected MP for Helensville in 2002. Sir John said his political career since then would not have been possible without the support of his colleagues and the public. “It was only made possible because I had such an outstanding cabinet and caucus.
“And over time, millions of New Zealanders voted for my government and gave me the opportunity to do that, and I hope that in some very small way today they all can sort of feel they share in that a little bit.”
He was humbled to receive the honour but joked he was unlikely to get used to people calling him Sir John.
“When I was Prime Minister, I would’ve thought people would have found me pretty approachable ... I guess as the selfie and photograph era emerged, and people started taking photos.”
He still kept in contact with Prime Minister Bill English and believed he was doing a good job in the role.