Key to miss service

Prime Minister John Key wanted to pay his respects to Helen Kelly at her civic memorial service in Wellington today but his trip to India means he won’t be in the country.

Kelly, the former president of the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) died of lung cancer on October 14, aged 52.

Key said he ‘‘almost certainly would have gone’’ if his diary had allowed it. ‘‘My understanding is Chris Finlayson’s going and Michael Woodhouse. It’s great those ministers can get there and there may be others who go as well.’’

Key said he hoped a message would be read out on his behalf. While they didn’t come from the ‘‘same side of the political fence’’, Key said the pair had ‘‘healthy discussions’’ when Kelly was at the CTU. ‘‘But underneath it all I think there was some mutual respect. She made a significant contribution and she’s died far too young.’’

Her memorial is at the Michael Fowler Centre at 1pm today.