Shock and sadness greet resignation

Dear John Key: “Thanks for nine years of service.” That’s the message one woman hand-delivered to the Prime Minister’s home yesterday afternoon. She told the Herald his resignation was a “real shame”.

Valerie Adams reacted to the news by offering herself for the role of Prime Minister on Twitter.

Many took to social media to express their surprise and sadness.

In the Helensville electorate, where Key is MP, Huapai print shop co-owner Joan Hale, 61, was shocked by the resignation.

The Whenuapai woman said her first comment upon hearing the news was: “Wow. He’s playing into Labour’s hands.

“I can’t see why he’s doing it now rather than later . . . and he’s favouring Bill English, who doesn’t seem to be that popular.”

Ross Woodward, 77, of Taupaki, speaking at the Huapai shops, near Key’s electorate office, was overjoyed at the news.

“It wouldn’t break my heart if I never saw him again. I think he’s sold the country down the drain.”

A few took a moment to joke around on social media.

Some suggested the Prime Minister’s DJ son, Max Key, fill his father’s shoes.

Others asked if Key would be helping his son record a new mixtape.

Over 1000 people have showed interest in a Facebook event to celebrate Key’s resignation.

Jock Barr, 23, an outdoor sports instructor from Queenstown, said Key’s decision was unexpected.

“I didn’t even know how long he could be in for. It feels like he has done a good job though.”

Brett Josephs, 50, a civil engineering contractor from Orewa, said he was quite surprised.

“I did think he was going for a fourth term. I think he was a good Prime Minister.” Kathy Pearson, 48, a warehouse distribution manager and Kumeu mother of two, said Key’s resignation held no meaning for her as she did not follow politics. “From what I’ve heard from other people, it’s probably a good thing. It needs somebody fresh.” She would like to see Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt become Prime Minister. Huapai tattoo shop owner Emma Jenkins, 18, said of Key’s resignation: “I think if it’s for his family, it’s a good reason. “You should always put family first. He’s done the right thing. “A lot of people want him to resign, so it might be time for a new Prime Minister.” Some wags have dubbed the announcement “Jexit”.