John Key says it's entirely over to Helen Clark to decide whether the wants to remain in the race to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations.

Even though straw polls haven't been favourable about her chances, Mr Key said there's no indication yet that she's about to pull the plug.

He doesn't think there's another straw poll for a few weeks.

Mr Key said the Government will continue to support her through a budget that's been set aside for the purpose.

"It's hundreds of thousands, but I don't know exactly. It's broadly made up of a couple of things - we deployed some staff to her, and secondly there's been travel support for Helen Clark. So she's been travelling the world and we've been supporting her to achieve that."

The Prime Minister believes it's money well spent.

"For New Zealand to have a Secretary-General of the United Nations I think is a very significant achievement. Actually for Helen Clark to be such a serious contender is a very significant achievement, and I do think it's worth us investing a bit of time and money to do that."