PM Bill English sets priorities for his post-Key government

UPDATED:  Soon to be former Prime Minister John Key says Bill English should “trust his instincts” when it comes to leading New Zealand.

Speaking to media in his last press conference in the top job, Mr Key congratulated Mr English and Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett on being elected by the National party caucus this morning.

“Bill English will be a fine Prime Minister and Paula Bennett will be an outstanding deputy.”

He says it won’t be a dramatic change in terms of the style of leadership, but there will most likely be “some changes at the margins” which will help rejuvenate the party.

Mr Key is heading off to Hawaii tomorrow, where he says it is a possibility he may have a round of golf with US President Barack Obama.  

Mr Key walked down the stairs of Parliament to the applause of National caucus and staff members, before leaving with his wife Bronagh.  

EARLIER: Newly minted Prime Minister Bill English says his government will focus on building infrastructure to support the growing economy.

Addressing media today after being elected by the National Party caucus, Mr English and his new deputy, Paula Bennett, praised outgoing Prime Minister John Key for his stewardship of the party and the country.

Mr English and Mrs Bennett will serve as National’s 12^th leadership team in its 80 years and will soon be sworn in as New Zealand’s 39^th prime minister and 18^th deputy prime minister.

Mr English says the government he leads will be focusing on key building infrastructure, such as roads, schools and hospitals to support the growing economy.

He says changes to the caucus can be expected before Christmas.

An election date will be considered in the new year, Mr English says adding that he won't pander to Labour's "internal problems."

He also indicated National was open to having NZ First as a coalition partner.

“If NZ First is there to assist us, we are happy to have their support. That’s how the relationship works.”

Mr English says he won't pledge to resign if the age of superannuation is raised, unlike his predecessor Mr Key. 

Mr English has been welcomed by EMA chief executive Kim Campbell, who says he’s looking forward to working with the former finance minister and Ms Bennett.

“With the New Zealand economy in sound shape, and the growth forecasts looking like they’ll be north of 3% next year, the prospects for business are positive heading into 2017.”

This is the second time Mr English has led National.

In 2002, he led the party to its worst ever defeat, achieving just 20.9% of the national vote.

But Mr English insists he’s on better footing now and that it was “different circumstances in 2002.”

“Labour was at its peak in 2002 and has declined since. I have learned a lot more since then and you learn more from losing than winning,” he says.

Mr English, who voted against the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2014, told media if the vote were now he would have voted in favour of it.

“It’s not a threat to anyone’s marriage and doesn’t erode marriage either – it’s an affirmation of the concept.”

He affirmed his support of the monarchy and says a decision to make New Zealand a republic needs to come from the people.