Former New Zealand prime minister Bill English's government has been an example to Australia, Malcolm Turnbull says, paying tribute to his retiring former counterpart.
The National Party leader announced his retirement from politics on Tuesday morning, ending a 27-year career including time as finance minister, opposition leader and as prime minister until last year's election.
Mr Turnbull has been in touch with Mr English since the announcement and the pair, with their wives Lucy and Mary, plan to meet up in Sydney soon.
"I'm happy to take the opportunity to say that Bill English did an outstanding job as finance minister and prime minister," Mr Turnbull told parliament.
"He is a great friend of Australia. The job they did in New Zealand is something that has been an example to us."
Mr English served twice as National leader and was deputy to his predecessor John Key for nine years.
He's retiring to spend more time with his wife and their five children, and wiped away tears when thanking them for their support.
