Two Great Kiwi Prime Ministers

“Kiwi proud.” SidLinx.

Sir John Key

"New Zealand as a whole needs to save more, spend less and reduce our reliance on foreign debt."

Sir John Key, born 9 August 1961, served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016. From a humble background, a young John Key had two dreams, to make millions and to be Prime Minister. Graduating with a commerce degree in the 1980s, Key pursued a lucrative and successful career in investment banking, he made millions. When he returned to New Zealand he entered politics, becoming leader of the National Party, and Prime Minister. Key was successful in leading his party to three election victories.

Sir John Key

Support

I voted for Sir John Key in all three elections. I follow leadership and policies; I am not committed to any one political party or political ideology. Later I voted for the Labour Party and its leader Jacinda Ardern. Sir John Key’s charisma, friendly persona, business acumen and inclusiveness, is why I supported him during his tenure. Jacinda Ardern appealed to me as a young woman of character who was chosen to lead the Labour Party at a tumultuous time shortly before the 2017 elections.

Dame Jacinda Ardern

“I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong."

Likewise with Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister from 2017 to 2023, I voted for her and the Labour Party. Prime Minister Ardern dealt with the pandemic in a way that was as good as anywhere else, if not better. She was the leader who dealt with the White Island tragedy, where many Australians lost their lives. She also dealt with the mosque terrorist shootings in Christchurch, where New Zealanders of the Muslim faith, were murdered.

Dame Jacinda Ardern

Kiwi Proud

These two great New Zealanders have both shown compassion and empathy during their times of service. Their skills in different areas were appropriate for the times in which they were elected to lead our country. Integrity is what comes to mind when I think of Sir John Key and Dame Jacinda Ardern.

Comparison

This blog was originally titled ‘Tariffs and Film’ to discuss Sir John Key’s view on how Trump’s tariff on film would affect the film industry in New Zealand. Writing some background history on Key, I couldn’t help but remember him with admiration. Years after he left politics I was in a que behind him at a shoe store in downtown Auckland. He was casually dressed in shorts and polo shirt wearing jandals. His demeanour of friendliness is what made him so popular.

Thoughts of Key got me thinking of another recent Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern. How she dealt with the staggering crisis of the pandemic and the difficulties of White Island and the tragedy of the Christchurch terrorist attack; you have to admire her strength and resilience.

Then you have the so-called leader of the free world, Donald Trump, you know what I think of him, read my previous posts. He is a destroyer; despicable and unpredictable. Enough said.