Wellington, March 15 NZPA - Prime Minister John Key says he supports New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) decision not to tour Zimababwe in June.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan announced the decision today, saying it had met little resistance from Zimbabwe.

The primary reasons for pulling out of the tour were the collapse of Zimbabwe's health system and its generally unstable environment.

Vaughan said he was open to the tour being rescheduled and played at a neutral venue, possibly in June next year.

Mr Key said at his post-cabinet press conference NZC had taken responsible action when player safety and security was considered.

Mr Key said he had not been personally involved in the decision, although there had been discussions with ministers.

"The safety and security of the players were the major issues when we last looked at this about a year ago," he said.

"Our players could genuinely be at risk if they went there, and that was a risk I was uncomfortable with 12 months ago.

"I certainly support the action NZC has taken today."