White rabbit brings luck to Keys' 30th

John Key sent wife Bronagh a tweet thanking her for putting up with him for 30 years.

Prime Minister John Key and his wife, Bronagh, ticked off 30 years of marriage yesterday - and Mrs Key's gift for the man who has everything was a large white-rabbit ornament with golden ears.

After his memory slips of late, an elephant might have been a better choice, given their reputation.

But Mr Key said the white rabbit reflected his superstitious side - he says "white rabbits" as soon he wakes on the first of each month.

He had spotted the ornament in a shop window but someone had bought it before he could get in. It turned out to be his wife.

"It's in the bathroom so I can see it while I'm brushing my teeth. It was a great surprise, great delight."

His own gift for Mrs Key had not yet arrived from overseas and he refused to give hints as to what it was beyond saying it was "smaller than an elephant but bigger than a sandwich box". Although pearls are the traditional gift for a 30th wedding anniversary, he ruled out jewellery.

The pair celebrated on Saturday night at swanky Auckland waterfront restaurant Euro.

Mr Key was at Cabinet meetings yesterday in Wellington, so he tweeted his wife: "Bronagh, thanks for putting up with me for the past 30 years.

"Happy anniversary."