The resignation of Prime Minister John Key has come as a complete surprise to Rotorua MP and Trade Minister Todd McClay - who has confirmed he won't be throwing his hat in the ring for the leadership of the National Party.
Mr Key made the announcement today, citing family reasons for stepping down.
Mr McClay spoke to the Rotorua Daily Post from Iran, as he was about to board a plane back to New Zealand following a trade trip.
"It was a surprise but John Key always said that he would do the job as long as he thought he had something to give."
Mr McClay said the National Party remained strong, despite today's shock news.
"[It is] the strongest I remember it since I have been involved in the National Party."
He said there were a number of people in the caucus who would be able to step forward and take on the leadership and lead the party into the next election.
When asked if he would put his hand up for the job, Mr McClay replied "no".
But he said he looked forward to helping select the new leader early next week.
In a statement, the Maori Party has said it would always be grateful to John Key for making a space at the table of his Government for a kaupapa Maori Party.
"It has been under the leadership of John Key that the Maori Party has been able to secure gains for Maori and advance kaupapa Maori over the past eight years," said Maori Party co-leader and Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell.
"We may not have agreed on everything but we've always maintained a respectful relationship with the Prime Minister and he with us," said Mr Flavell.
"We've had some tough talks on many issues but at the end of the day, respect for each other prevailed and that's why he has always seen us as a party that governments can work with," said Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox.
"We're all about whanau in the Maori Party, so we understand and support Mr Key's call to return to his family and be with them more."
Rotorua-based New Zealand First list MP Fletcher Tabuteau said the resignation was "amazing timing".
"I knew he was going to leave but I thought it would be a year after the next election.
"I wonder if that means his polls aren't as good as the public ones?"
Tamati Coffey, the Labour Party candidate for the Waiariki seat in next year's election, said his reaction on hearing the news was one of shock, like the rest of New Zealand.
However he said he understood the sacrifices politicians had to make.
When asked if it was a surprise, he said "yes and no".
"Third term scepticism of John Key is coming through from the voters and so it's been in the wind for a while," he said.
"This means that next year everything is up for grabs. He gave a small vote of confidence to Bill English, but Bill's not got the same appeal as John Key."
Mr Coffey said Labour and the Greens were meeting in Rotorua today to "talk about working together to change the government in 2017".
"There's no better time to get organising than right this moment."
Mr Coffey said Mr Key had been a formidable leader and he wished him well.