Early Life and Education
John Key, a well-known New Zealander, was born on August 9, 1961, in Auckland, New Zealand. He grew up in a state housing area in Christchurch, where his mother raised him as a single parent. Despite their financial struggles, Key credits his mother for instilling in him a strong work ethic and values.
He attended Burnside High School in Christchurch and then enrolled at the University of Canterbury in 1979, where he studied commerce. In his university years, Key became heavily involved in student politics and was elected as president of the Canterbury Students' Association. He was also a member of the University's debating team and represented New Zealand in international competitions.
After completing his degree, Key began his career at accounting firm Grant Thornton, where he worked for several years. In 1985, he moved to London and worked for Merrill Lynch as a foreign exchange dealer. Over the next decade, Key advanced through the ranks at Merrill Lynch and eventually became head of global foreign exchange in the mid-1990s.
During his time in London, Key continued his studies and completed a master's degree in finance from the University of London. He returned to New Zealand in 2001 to pursue a career in politics and became a Member of Parliament for the National Party.
Political Career
Early Years
John Key's political career began in the early 2000s when he was elected as a member of parliament for the National Party. After serving as the party's spokesman on finance and education, Key was promoted to the front bench in 2004. Two years later, he was elected leader of the National Party.
Prime Minister
In 2008, Key led the National Party to victory in the general elections. He became New Zealand's 38th Prime Minister, succeeding Helen Clark of the Labour Party. Key's government was re-elected in 2011 and 2014, making him the longest-serving leader of the National Party.
Policies and Achievements
As Prime Minister, John Key focused on economic reforms, including tax cuts and privatization of state-owned assets. He also introduced policies to boost tourism and international education, and oversaw the rebuilding of Christchurch after the devastating earthquake of 2011.
Under Key's leadership, New Zealand also became the first country to sign a free trade agreement with China, and he played a key role in strengthening New Zealand's relationships with its Pacific neighbors. Key's government also introduced controversial changes to welfare and employment laws.
Key resigned as Prime Minister in 2016, citing family reasons. He left a legacy of economic stability and strong leadership, but his tenure was not without controversy, including allegations of mass surveillance and a scandal involving a Saudi Arabian businessman.
Personal Life and Figure
John Key was born on August 9, 1961, in Auckland, New Zealand, to George and Ruth Key. He has two older sisters, Susan and Liz. John Key is married to Bronagh Key, and they have two children, Stephie and Max.
John Key is known for his tall and lean figure. He stands at six feet tall and weighs around 77 kgs. He has always been keen on staying fit and healthy and enjoys outdoor activities such as tennis, golf, and swimming.
Aside from sports, Key also had a passion for music and performed with a rock band called the "Foregone Conclusion" during his college years. He played the keyboard and guitar and even wrote some of the band's music.
John Key is a keen philanthropist and supports various charities and causes, including the All Blacks Charitable Fund, Starship Foundation, and Child Cancer Foundation. In 2011, he auctioned off a dinner with himself, raising $250,000 for the Plunket charity.
Despite his busy schedule and public profile, John Key values spending time with his family and has been quoted saying, "Family is the most important thing in the world to me."
John Key: Net Worth and Achievements
Net Worth
John Key's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million. He has accumulated most of his wealth through his career in finance and investments. In addition to his salary as the prime minister of New Zealand, he also holds investments in several businesses, including a vineyard in Marlborough and shares in Air New Zealand and Bank of America.
Achievements
John Key's political career is marked by several notable achievements. During his time as the prime minister of New Zealand, he successfully negotiated free trade agreements with several countries, including China and South Korea. He also implemented several reforms to the welfare and education systems, resulting in improved outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
Key played a key role in the response to several major crises, including the 2010-2011 Christchurch earthquakes, the 2011 Pike River Mine disaster, and the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Under his leadership, New Zealand provided significant aid and support to affected communities.
Outside of politics, Key has also made significant contributions to the arts and culture scene in New Zealand. He served as the patron of the Nelson Arts Festival and supported the establishment of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery.
| Achievements | Year |
|---|---|
| Free trade agreement with China | 2008 |
| Welfare reform | 2012 |
| Christchurch earthquake response | 2010-2011 |
| Nepal earthquake response | 2015 |
FAQ
Who is John Key?
John Key is a former New Zealand politician who served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016.
What is John Key's age?
John Key was born on August 9, 1961, which makes him currently 60 years old.
How tall is John Key?
John Key's height is approximately 1.75 meters or 5 feet 9 inches.
What is John Key's net worth?
John Key's net worth is estimated to be around $50 million USD.
What were some of John Key's notable achievements as Prime Minister?
During his time as Prime Minister, John Key oversaw the rebuilding of Christchurch after the devastating earthquakes, implemented policies to boost the New Zealand economy, including trade agreements with China and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and increased tourism to New Zealand. He also led New Zealand's response to the global financial crisis.
