Why Famous:Key served as Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016. Elected amidst the global financial crisis, much of Key's first term was marked by attempts to stabilize the economy and reduce the fallout from the credit crunch.
Significant events during his term included the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, a controversial partial sale of state-owned assets, the withdrawal of New Zealand forces from Afghanistan and a defeated flag referendum.
Key announced his resignation in December 2016 and was succeeded by Bill English.
2008-11-08 John Key leads the National Party to victory in New Zealand's general election, defeating nine year Prime Minister Helen Clark and her Labour-led coalition government
2014-11-05 New Zealand Prime Minister John Key rules out sending troops to fight against Islamic State, but claims there are 40 New Zealanders on 'terror watchlist'
2016-12-04 New Zealand Prime Minister John Key resigns after 8 years in office
2016-12-12 Bill English is sworn in as New Zealand Prime Minister, succeeding John Key
David Lange
Helen Clark
Jacinda Ardern
Keith Holyoake
Michael Joseph Savage
Peter Fraser