New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced his resignation after eight years on the job.  The announcement at the top of his weekly news conference came as a surprise to all.

Mr. Key cited family reasons for his decision, explaining to reporters that his role as PM required great sacrifices "from those who are dearest to me" and that his children had coped with "an extraordinary level of intrusion".  He said, "All I can say is that I gave it everything I had.  I have left nothing in the tank."

NZ Green Party co-leader Meteria Turei supported Key's "right to be a dad and a husband first", while Labour leader Andrew Little tweeted:  "John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication.  I wish him and his family the best for the future."

Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull was among those taken by surprise, sending a text message reading: "Say it ain't so, bro."  Labor's Bill Shorten lauded Key as "a good friend to Australia", and, "I wish him and his family all the best."

John Key came to power in 2008 when his National Party ended nine years of Labour rule.  Supporters credit him with steering the country through the 2008 economic crisis to the present day.  His formal resignation is effective on 12 December, and will likely clear the way for Deputy Prime Minister Bill English to step up to the top job.