John Key

New Zealand's popular Prime Minister John Key stunned the nation on Dec. 5 when he announced, in a breaking voice, he was resigning after eight years as leader.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who has been in power since 2008, has announced his resignation in a move that has surprised many.
The leader of the ruling National Party, Key has dominated New Zealand politics for many years, winning three terms as prime minister.

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key (L) shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Iran's foreign minister on March 14 defended the nation's right to use ballistic missiles following a test last week, but offered no explanation for anti-Israeli messages reportedly written on them.

Speaking in Wellington, New Zealand, Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran has always reserved the right to defend itself.

The U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership, one of the biggest trade deals in history, was signed in New Zealand on Feb. 4 as protestors demonstrated over fears for jobs and sovereignty.

New Zealanders began voting Nov. 19 to select a potential new flag, part of a controversial push for the South Pacific country to drop Britain's Union Jack from its national banner.

Twelve Pacific rim countries sealed the deal early Oct. 5 on creating the world's largest free trade area, delivering President Barack Obama a major policy triumph.

New Zealand announced on Sept.7 it will take 750 Syrian refugees over the next three years after coming under intense pressure to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Europe.

Thousands gather on Gallipoli Peninsula for an Anzac Day dawn service to mark the centenary of the landing of Allied troops Leaders and dignitaries from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey led thousands at dawn ceremonies on Turkey's Gallipoli peninsula on April 25 to mark the 100th anniversary of a World War One battle that helped shape their nations. 

A hundred years since the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzacs) at Gallipoli, Turkey, on April 25, 1915, a pre-dawn memorial service began at dawn. An estimated 11,400 troops from Australia and New Zealand were killed in the course of the campaign at the cove.