Prime Minister John Key carried out his last official engagement as Prime Minister on Friday, in the town he was raised in.
He signed off his duties by opening of the new visitor centre in Christchurch's restored Arts Centre.
Mr Key thanked the leaders of the Christchurch rebuild, telling Mayor Lianne Dalziel "Christchurch needs you" and Gerry Brownlee if anyone deserves the keys to the city, it's him.
Prime Minister John Key and Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel in Christchurch on Friday (Mel Logan/Newshub)
Mr Key announced on Monday he would be stepping down from the top job after eight years, citing family pressures as one of his reasons for quitting.
He says he made the decision to step down as Prime Minister during a recent trip to the United States.
"During the year [wife Bronagh Key and I] were mulling it over a little bit, we went to Hawaii in the middle of the year and had quite a long chat about it," he told RadioLIVE's Duncan Garner earlier this week.
"When we went off to the Security Council and came back in September I really just thought, 'Wow it's been a remarkable ride but I think that's about it.'"
Mr Key teared up on Monday when he spoke about the toll the job has taken on his family.
"All of this has come as quite some sacrifice for the people who are dearest to me - my family. For my wife Bronagh, there have been many nights where she was alone, many occasions that were important to her that I simply couldn't attend".
Mr Key tipped Bill English to be his replacement. He's now emerged as the sole contender, with Jonathan Coleman and Judith Collins pulling out of the brief three-horse race.
Mr English has a landslide of support from the National party caucus. They'll vote for their new leader and deputy leader, either Paula Bennett or Simon Bridges, on Monday.
Newshub.
