New Zealand PM voices "high expectations" of new UN chief

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key on Thursday congratulated former Portuguese leader Antonio Guterres on becoming the next United Nations Secretary-General.

"We look forward to working with Antonio Guterres. He is a friend of New Zealand," Key said in a statement.

"He has solid credentials. He is the former head of government for Portugal and was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for 10 years," said Key.

"The role of UN secretary-general is more important than ever and we have high expectations of him."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon ends his term in December.

(APD)