A year on from the National Party's re-election for a third term, John Key remains the envy of most other political parties, Crown Minister Steven Joyce says.
Speaking on TV3's The Nation this morning, Joyce stressed the Government's achievements in the seventh year of Key's administration.
"If you ask anybody in the National Party whether they want John Key to be their Prime Minister and leader they would say absolutely," he said.
"At any point in New Zealand history has there been a Prime Minister who is more in touch with New Zealand in his seventh? I'd very, very much doubt it. I'd think most parties would love to have a leader as successful and as in touch with New Zealand as we have."
He said the Government's proudest achievements since last year's election included the free-trade agreement with Korea, introducing free healthcare for under-13s and raising benefits to help children growing up in poverty.