Aussies welcome 'good bloke' English

Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison has described the incoming New Zealand prime minister Bill English as a "very good bloke" who will build on the work of his predecessor.

Mr English was endorsed by the NZ Nationals caucus on Monday to succeed John Key who announced his retirement last week after eight years as his nation's leader.

"I know Bill quite well, he will be an outstanding prime minister very much in the John Key vein," Mr Morrison told 2GB radio today.

"He's a very good bloke and he will have a great relationship with Australia."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull telephoned Mr English today to congratulate him.

"Look forward to meeting in person soon," Mr English wrote on Twitter after the call.