Personal worth makes Key richest Prime Minister yet

John Key is most likely New Zealand's richest Prime Minister.

Though his fortune will have taken a hit since the Weekend Herald assessed him to be worth about $50 million in July, he still probably tops all other previous affluent Premiers.

One of those who could compare is Sir Joseph Ward who was independently wealthy before he entered Parliament, went bankrupt and then rebuilt his nest egg.

When he died in 1930 he had an estate of £337,000 (about $28 million in today's terms).

Mr Key earned his loot as a foreign exchange trader through the 1980s and 1990s.He also amassed a portfolio of property, including a $6 million home in Parnell and a US$3 million holiday home in Hawaii.

The international financial turmoil will also have taken its toll on the value of his stocks and property stakes.

But it is probably safe to assume Mr Key will not be over-awed by his new salary of about $375,000.