Prime Minister John Key has recorded his annual Christmas message, wishing New Zealanders a happy and safe holiday.
Mr Key signed off for the year with a short video.
"I love Christmas, it's a time of family and friends, a little bit of downtime and to get that work-life balance back into perspective," he says.
"New Zealand at Christmas is a magnificent place. It's a time where we can really see the best of New Zealand on display."
He adds: "Have a great time, make that you're safe, particularly on our roads and on our waterways, which we know can present a little bit of danger.
Mr Key will spend some of his summer break at his holiday home in Maui, Hawaii.