Outgoing Prime Minister John Key says he may be ready to dump his Blues rugby team membership and support the Crusaders again.
Outgoing Prime Minister John Key. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Mr Key, who is the Tourism Minister, spent his last full day of official engagements in his hometown of Christchurch today.
He laughed with members of the tourism industry as he opened an i-Site visitor centre in the city's newly refurbished Arts Centre.
Mr Key joked that his political fortunes were on the decline. It was fitting he was at a visitor centre as, from Tuesday, he would have plenty of time on his hands.
To loud cheers Mr Key told the crowd that, now he was no longer a politician, he could go back to his roots and was seriously considering dumping his Blues rugby membership and becoming a Crusaders supporter.
Crusaders flag Photo: Photosport
On a serious note, Mr Key paid tribute to Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and rebuild minister Gerry Brownlee for their work and leadership post-earthquake.
Mr Key's engagements tomorrow include a special needs Christmas party and the Auckland wedding of National MP Simon O'Connor.
On Sunday he plans to clear out his office in the Beehive, to make way for the incoming Prime Minister, Bill English.