Disaster magnet

John Key has been somewhat of a disaster magnet during his terms in office. Two major Christchurch earthquakes plus some more recent Kaikoura ones. A world economic crisis, the Pike mine disaster and a messy shipwreck . John and his National-led Government have responded magnificently and our little country has weathered these storms well.

Our prime minister has decided to make a major life change and resigned his office, to our surprise.

There is no doubt that Key has improved the New Zealand economy and our general well being so we do wish him well in his new endeavours.

I feel confident that Andrew Little will make a wonderful replacement. FRANK GLOVER Waikanae in the poisoned chalice he passes to his successor.

Meanwhile, he can go without having broken a promise on these issues so that his ‘‘mana’’ is preserved.

I see this resignation cynically, that is, as the Chief Avoider of Hard Issues quitting before he is engulfed by them. It’s called sneaking out the back door. And he knows it. STUART REID Lower Hutt keep New Zealand alive and well during recent decades, will follow his brave lead, and stand down in time for the next generation of parliamentary candidates to come forth and prepare to conquer. Well done, John Key. ROSE HUDSON

Karori popularity comes from the homeowning voting public, who are quietly pleased with the current value of their properties. Businesses are benefiting from the short-term deflationary effect of immigrant labour, and investors are also happy with the stellar returns from the sharemarket due to the low-interest-rate environment.

Key would understand that if the housing party ends suddenly then there will be widespread hardship and a sharp downturn for the wider economy. All the things that made Key and his Government popular will be the same things that will ultimately cause a voter backlash.

Perhaps he has thrown his trusted colleague, Bill English, a hospital pass, and gifted the opposition its best ever Christmas present? MIKE JARVIS Woodridge