Should Key have cancelled his Europe trip?

Yes - he has made the right decision. nz is where our leader must be right now.

Key had to stay back,and visit Christchurch as at election time next year, could mean many lost votes,Rossco you should have taken his place.

Of course John Key should stay in New Zealand at the present time.

Key 'always' makes the right choice.

Not a massive Key fan but he has done reasonably well all things considered.

I'm sorry but personally I'd rather see John stick to his tour itinery. There's not alot he can achieve here right now given that Christchurch is still in damage assessment mode. Personally I believe that for the greater good of New Zealand he should go, if he can't trust his Ministers to keep him appraised of developments in Christchurch and any need for him to be present then the question should be are his Ministers worth their pay packets and not if John Key is good PM.

as head of the commonwealth should the queen not join us here in chch 4 a tea party perhaps she could provide much needed help thank u nz 4 your help

looks like john has decided that there will be better
photo op's down in christchurch than half way round the world where it would be a case of john who? after all the last time i looked balmoral castle wasn't in any nz electorate

Yes John ... you've done the right thing. With all these after shocks it's far from over yet and anyway can you imagine the whining lefties with their tall poppie knives out. Sad thing is that they will still find a way to criticise your decision and who will lead the charge ...the media

it's not even questionable, John Key knows where his priorities lie.

John has continued to show true leadership, keeps close to his people of NZ. Has continued to show cool and considered leadership whether the financial crises or our earthquake. He is in tune, caring , a dad, husband and true kiwi and damned happy not wearing a tie. The Queen is NOT important Kiwis are. Thankyou John and Thanks Bob for sticking with us without politics, camera preening and making quick, fast and considered decisions.