John Key's resignation came as a shock to many including Whangarei's National MP Shane Reti, who learned the news about half an hour before the Prime Minister told the press.
Meanwhile Te Tai Tokerau Labour MP Kelvin Davis said he was surprised but getting on with his own job, while New Zealand First Leader and Northland MP Winston Peters claimed the shock resignation showed all was not rosy with the country's economy.
Mr Key stepped aside as New Zealand Prime Minister just before 1pm yesterday, at a press conference where he cited family reasons. He said he had "nothing left in the tank".
"Throughout these years I have given everything I could to this job that I cherish, and this country that I love. All of this has come at quite some sacrifice for the people who are dearest to me - my family," he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Bill English is expected to take over as Prime Minister and Steven Joyce is expected to take on the finance role. This will be confirmed on Monday.
Mr Reti said the decision did not affect his own political aspirations - he remained fully committed to aiming for a second term as Whangarei's MP, come the 2017 election.
"We were on a caucus call 30 minutes before [the press conference] and that's when we found out as well," Mr Reti said. "I was surprised but I appreciated his honesty and I understand the reasons."
Mr Reti said there was "quietness on the call" and he could not gauge the mood within National until he met with his colleagues. When he spoke to the Advocate Mr Reti was on his way to Wellington.
Mr Key would be remembered for "building a very strong team [and] bringing real clarity of thought and evidence to decision making", Mr Reti said.
"Seeing us through the Global Financial Crisis will be a strong part of his legacy, and putting us in a position where we are the envy of other OECD countries," Mr Reti said.
But Mr Peters said the opposite was true, claiming "hidden reasons" behind the resignation.
"The fact is that the economy is not in the healthy state that the Prime Minister has for so long claimed, and there are other issues which have caused this decision as well," he said.
Mr Davis said Mr Key's resignation was an opportunity for the Labour Party.
"We were ready [for the election] anyway and this makes it a little more interesting," he said.
But it had little bearing on his own electorate, he said.
"I have to focus on what I've been doing and highlighting the fact that a lot has been achieved," he said. "We've heard the news, now we're getting on with making sure the people in our electorates are being served."
Reporter Alexandra Newlove and photographer John Stone were out in Whangarei yesterday getting people's reaction to the PM's surprise announcement and finding out what - if anything - they would remember him for.
Cody Rouse
There's no one else good who can run the country. He's the best out of what we've got at the moment. He hasn't done too badly and the problems we have aren't his. I won't [remember him for anything particular].
Georgina Bidois
Good on him, [resigning is the] best decision he's made. I think it's great, I'm super-stoked. [I'll remember him for] being a prick, the TPPA because I was very against it. The fact it didn't go through is very cool as it shows he couldn't do anything to [mess] with our society. Also, his very uncharismatic way of speaking.
Jessie Rose
I was just wondering what's happened and whether something might come out later. I thought he was a good prime minister, certainly could have been worse. I guess he's getting out while the going is good. [I'll remember him for] the whole flag debacle and pulling ponytails.
Steve Babe
What? You're [kidding] me. That's a shock. I'm disappointed actually. I think he's led the country through difficult times and done a good job, considering.
Nick Davies
I was shocked, just surprised really, I don't have leanings either way. The thing I'll most remember him for is the flag referendum, I just think it was a total waste of money.
Gail Wall
I'm quite happy, we need somebody new. Actually the first time I've heard has been [now]. I kind of leave politics up to my husband and try to stay out of it, so there's nothing much [I'll remember Key for].
Luke Stutt
I don't mind. Yeah, surprised. He fixed up the mess from a lot of previous prime ministers. Without him I feel the country would probably be in more debt.