How the world responded

FAIFAX MEDIA: International media coverage of New Zealand's election are highlighting the fact that Prime Minister-elect John Key is a millionaire.

Business magazine Forbes starts its piece today saying the United States "has no monopoly on fast-rising political leaders. Six years ago, John Key quit a career in foreign exchange trading that had made him a millionaire to enter the New Zealand parliament…."

The London Times was more blunt: "Multimillionaire takes control of New Zealand".

It said Mr Key had handed Prime Minister Helen Clark a crushing election defeat.

The rival Daily telegraph had "wealthy investment banker" in its headline.

"Helen Clark, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been swept from power after nine years as voters swung decisively to the Right in the country's general election," the Telegraph said.

The Press Trust of India headlined "Kiwis vote for regime change" and noted it was the country’s first conservative government in almost a decade.

Voice of America said New Zealanders had "voted for change".

Across the Tasman the Sydney Morning Herald went for "Clark yields as Nats promise richer future" and added Mr Key “promised a more ambitious future for the country”.