Wikipedia

Simon Bridges

Simon Joseph Bridges (born 12 October 1976) is a New Zealand retired politician, broadcaster and lawyer. He served as Leader of the National Party and Leader of the Opposition between 2018 and 2020,[1][2] and as the Member of Parliament for Tauranga from the 2008 election to May 2022, when he resigned. Bridges is the first and currently the only Māori person to serve as leader of a major political party in New Zealand.[3][4]

The Honourable
Simon Bridges
Bridges in 2015
37th Leader of the Opposition
In office
27 February 2018 – 22 May 2020
Prime MinisterJacinda Ardern
DeputyPaula Bennett
Preceded byBill English
Succeeded byTodd Muller
12th Leader of the National Party
In office
27 February 2018 – 22 May 2020
DeputyPaula Bennett
Preceded byBill English
Succeeded byTodd Muller
10th Shadow Leader of the House
In office
2 November 2017 – 27 February 2018
LeaderBill English
Preceded byChris Hipkins
Succeeded byGerry Brownlee
10th Leader of the House
In office
2 May 2017 – 26 October 2017
Prime MinisterBill English
DeputyMichael Woodhouse
Preceded byGerry Brownlee
Succeeded byChris Hipkins
Minister of Economic Development
In office
20 December 2016 – 26 October 2017
Prime MinisterBill English
Preceded bySteven Joyce
Succeeded byDavid Parker
26th Minister of Transport
In office
6 October 2014 – 26 October 2017
Prime MinisterJohn Key
Bill English
Preceded byGerry Brownlee
Succeeded byPhil Twyford
24th Minister for Communications
In office
20 December 2016 – 26 October 2017
Prime MinisterBill English
Preceded byAmy Adams
Succeeded byClare Curran (Communications and Digital Media)
Member of the New Zealand Parliament
for Tauranga
In office
8 November 2008 – 6 May 2022
Preceded byBob Clarkson
Succeeded bySam Uffindell
Majority1,856
Personal details
Born
Simon Joseph Bridges

(1976-10-12) 12 October 1976 (age 48)
Auckland, New Zealand
Political partyNational
RelationsSimon O'Connor (brother-in-law)
EducationUniversity of Auckland (BA, LLB)
London School of Economics
St Catherine's College, Oxford (BCL)
WebsiteOfficial website

A self-described "compassionate conservative",[5] Bridges served in several Cabinet positions, including Minister of Transport (2014–2017) and Minister of Economic Development (2016–2017). He took the role of Leader of the House from May to October 2017. Bridges was elected as National Party leader on 27 February 2018, succeeding former Prime Minister Bill English, who resigned. On 22 May 2020, following poor polling for the party, Bridges was challenged for the party leadership and replaced by Todd Muller, who would relinquish the leadership less than two months later.[6][7]

On 24 November 2021, Bridges was sacked from the shadow cabinet of Judith Collins, who cited a crude comment he made to fellow MP Jacqui Dean in 2016 that had been previously dealt with, with Bridges formally apologising to Dean in private. Collins' actions triggered a successful vote of no-confidence in her leadership by the National Party caucus the following day, with a leadership election scheduled for 30 November 2021. Bridges had intended to contest the election, but withdrew on the day of the vote and endorsed Christopher Luxon.

Bridges announced his retirement from politics in March 2022 to care for his son, triggering a by-election.[8] He subsequently became CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. He also began a career in broadcasting, launching his podcast Generally Famous with Stuff in 2022, and in 2024 became Chairperson of Waka Kotahi.[9]

Early life

edit

Simon Bridges was born in October 1976 in Auckland, the youngest of six children. His father, of Māori and Pākehā (New Zealand European) descent, was a Baptist minister, and his mother, a Pākehā from Waihi, was a primary school teacher.[10] His father Heath's mother, Naku Joseph, was a member of Ngāti Kinohaku, a hapū (subtribe) of the Ngāti Maniapoto tribe, and associated with Oparure Marae near Te Kūiti, through which Bridges has family connections to former Labour Cabinet Minister Koro Wētere.[11]

Bridges grew up in Te Atatū, West Auckland, and attended Rutherford College. There, he was taught by future Labour Education Minister Chris Carter, and became head boy of the college.[10][12] He went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history, and a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) at the University of Auckland.

edit

Bridges began his legal career as a litigation lawyer in a major Auckland law firm, Kensington Swan.[10] He moved to Tauranga in 2001 to take up a position as a Crown prosecutor in the District and High Courts. During this time, he took leave to travel to the United Kingdom to study at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and later to complete a postgraduate law degree at St Catherine's College, Oxford; he also worked as an intern in the British House of Commons.[10] As a Crown prosecutor in Tauranga, Bridges mainly worked on jury trials.[13] Bridges ended his legal career in 2008, when he was nominated by the National Party to stand for election to the New Zealand Parliament.[14]

Early political career

edit

Bridges became a member of the Young Nationals in 1992 at the age of 16 and was elected Deputy New Zealand Chair in 1997. He was active in National's West Auckland organisation as a member of MP Brian Neeson's electorate team. Bridges supported Neeson against a challenge by John Key for the National Party candidacy to contest the new seat of Helensville at the 2002 general election.[10][15] In the following years, Bridges held several senior positions within the party, including sitting on the party's rules committee and serving as chairperson of the Tauranga National Party branch.[14]

Member of Parliament

edit
New Zealand Parliament
Years Term Electorate List Party
2008–2011 49th Tauranga 51 National
2011–2014 50th Tauranga 30 National
2014–2017 51st Tauranga 18 National
2017–2020 52nd Tauranga 6 National
2020–2022 53rd Tauranga 4 National

Election to Parliament: 2008–2011

edit

In 2008 the incumbent National MP for the Tauranga electorate Bob Clarkson announced his intention not to stand for re-election. Bridges then announced his candidacy for the party's selection to stand in the electorate, and resigned from his roles within the party. In June 2008 Bridges was selected as the party's candidate for the electorate.[16] He was placed at No. 51 on National's party list.[17] Several opinion polls during the campaign suggested Bridges was likely to win the seat by a large margin.[18][19]

Bridges won the seat with a majority of 11,742 votes, against a field of 11 candidates, including New Zealand First leader Winston Peters. As New Zealand First did not meet the 5% party vote threshold nationally, it was reliant on at least one candidate winning an electorate seat to be represented in Parliament, and Winston Peters' Tauranga candidacy had been its best chance that year.[20]

Bridges sponsored a Private Member's Bill to increase penalties for animal cruelty, which was drawn from the ballot in early 2010. After passing its first reading, the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill was adopted by the Minister of Agriculture David Carter as a Government Bill and was passed into law.[21]

Minister: 2012–2017

edit
 
Bridges speaking to Bryce Edwards at a 2011 election event

Bridges was re-elected for Tauranga in the 2011 election.[22] In April 2012, Prime Minister John Key appointed him as a Minister outside Cabinet, as Minister for Consumer Affairs, Associate Minister of Transport, and Associate Minister for Climate Change Issues.[23] In January 2013 Bridges moved into the Cabinet and became Minister of Labour and Minister of Energy and Resources. He continued as Associate Minister for Climate Change Issues, but was no longer Minister of Consumer Affairs and Associate Minister of Transport.[24]

Bridges made regular appearances on TVNZ's Breakfast programme as part of the "Young Guns" feature, in which he appeared alongside Labour MP Jacinda Ardern.[25]

In April 2013 Bridges voted against the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in New Zealand.[26]

In October 2013, during a TV interview on Campbell Live, Bridges and presenter John Campbell became engaged in a heated discussion about the benefits and risks of offshore oil drilling.[27]

In April 2014, environmental activist group Greenpeace launched a campaign calling for Bridges to be removed as Energy and Resources Minister over an allegation he approved potential oil and gas exploration in Victoria Forest Park, West Coast, but later said he was unaware of having given the approval.[28][29] Opponents perceived that Bridges had wrongly approved the exploration in a sensitive area, however this was denied by Bridges and John Key.[30]

 
Bridges, as Transport Minister, opens a cycle route in Palmerston North

On 9 March 2015, when a by-election was scheduled to be held in the Northland electorate on 28 March, the National Party candidate Mark Osborne announced with Bridges (then Minister of Transport) that National pledged to upgrade 10 one-lane bridges in the region at a cost of up to $69 million.[31] Opponents criticised the government for using its advantage inappropriately in the Northland by-election campaign, especially since it was later revealed that Bridges had asked officials for information on the 10 one-lane bridges days before the announcement. However, John Key defended the request because Bridges had sought factual information rather than policy advice, which is permitted under the Cabinet Manual rules.[32]

Following the resignation of John Key from the prime ministership on 5 December 2016, Bridges announced his candidacy for the Deputy Leadership of the National Party and consequent Deputy Prime Ministership. He withdrew from the election process when it became clear Paula Bennett had the numbers to win.[33]

New Prime Minister Bill English made changes to the Cabinet effective 20 December 2016, and Bridges became Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Communications, and Associate Minister of Finance. He retained his role as Minister of Transport and was no longer Minister of Energy and Resources, and Associate Minister of Justice, and Climate Change Issues.[24]

Opposition: 2017–2022

edit
See also: 2018 New Zealand National Party leadership election and Shadow Cabinet of Simon Bridges

Simon Bridges was re-elected in the 2017 election.[22] Following the defeat of the National government, Bridges was no longer a minister, but was appointed Shadow Leader of the House, and National spokesperson for the portfolios for both Economic and Regional Development, and Immigration.[34] Bridges realised his desire to hold office was now out of reach, but he hoped to be New Zealand’s first Māori prime minister, ideally at the next election.[35]

In February 2018, Bill English resigned as the leader of the National Party, paving way for a leadership contest.[36] In a press conference held the day after English's resignation, Bridges announced his candidacy for the leadership of the party.[37] On 27 February 2018, he was elected as National Party leader,[1] thus also becoming Leader of the Opposition. He is the first person with Māori ancestry to serve as leader of the National Party.[3] Bridges announced his Shadow Cabinet appointments on 11 March 2018. Paula Bennett served as his deputy.[38]

MP expenses saga

edit

On 13 August 2018 Newshub reported that Bridges had spent $113,000 in taxpayer money on limousines and hotels between April and June 2018. (His expenses were higher than normal because he was travelling around New Zealand on a 'getting to know Simon' road-show.[citation needed]) Information on Bridges's spending emerged in a leak of MPs' expenses.[39][40] In response, the National Party demanded an independent inquiry into the source of the leak. Bridges publicly stated that he was "supremely confident" that his MPs were not behind the leak.[41] On 15 August, Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard launched an independent inquiry into who had leaked information about Bridges's expenses.[42]

On 24 August 2018 RNZ reported that a person claiming to be the National Party leaker had sent separate anonymous text messages to Bridges and to Mallard calling for the inquiry into the leaking of Bridges's expenses to be called off. The author of the text alleged that they had suffered from mental health problems and claimed that the publicity would endanger their health and life.[43] In response, Mallard subsequently called off the inquiry, prompting criticism from both Bridges and Shadow leader of the House Gerry Brownlee, who demanded that the investigation into the identity of the leaker continue.[44][45] Bridges claimed that the New Zealand Police were reportedly aware of the leaker's identity.[46]

At a press conference on 15 October 2018, Bridges implied that National MP Jami-Lee Ross had leaked his (Bridges's) expenses. Bridges cited a PwC report which strongly suggested that Ross had been the leaker, based on text messages sent to a Radio New Zealand reporter, the Speaker of the House, and a police officer in the Botany electorate during the leak. Bridges also rejected claims made by Ross in a series of tweets alleging that Bridges had been trying to pin the blame on him for questioning his leadership decisions. Bridges also indicated that National would seek disciplinary action against Ross.[47][48]

On 16 October 2018, Ross alleged that Bridges had violated election law several times, including accepting an illegal NZ$100,000 donation in May 2018, which Ross claimed that Bridges had told him to cover up. The donation came from a businessman, Yikun Zhang, connected to the Chinese Communist Party.[49][50][51] In addition, Ross alleged that Bridges and Deputy Leader Paula Bennett had tried to smear him with allegations that he had sexually harassed several women. Bridges publicly denied Ross' allegations as baseless and said it was a matter for the police. That same day, the National Party caucus voted to expel Ross for disloyalty. Ross announced his intention to stay in parliament as an independent MP.[52][53]

On 29 January 2020, the Serious Fraud Office filed criminal charges against four people in relation to an alleged NZ$100,000 donation paid into a National Party electorate bank account. Bridges stated neither he nor anyone from National Party are among those who have been charged in relation to the donation allegations. The Serious Fraud Office launched an investigation on 12 March 2019, after police referred on a complaint made by Ross.[54][55]

2020 COVID-19 pandemic

edit

On 24 March, it was reported that Bridges would lead a cross-party select committee that would scrutinise the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. The cross-party Epidemic Response Committee would run in the absence of the New Zealand Parliament, which would adjourn for five weeks on 25 March. Two thirds of members will be from the opposition National and ACT parties while the rest will come from the governing Labour-New Zealand First-Greens coalition government.[56][57]

On 6 April, Bridges drew media attention when he admitted that despite the advice against long road trips during the pandemic lockdown he was commuting back and forth between Tauranga and Wellington to chair the committee, even though its proceedings were being conducted by video conference. He said that he had not considered basing his family in Wellington, as Jacinda Ardern had done, and that his actions were "absolutely an appropriate way of doing things."[58] Later that day he also said that his internet was unreliable, and that he needed to be close to the Press Gallery and other media.[59] The next day, he downplayed the issue of his internet connection after it was reported that his home has fibre and ultra-fast broadband.[60] He also said that the "resources and focus" available from his physical presence in Wellington were of use, and that it was not practicable for him to relocate there completely.[61] Bridges's actions were defended by both the left-wing blogger Martyn "Bomber" Bradbury and right-wing blogger David Farrar, who compared him favourably to Health Minister David Clark's lapses during the lockdown.[62][63]

On 16 April, Simon Bridges called upon the New Zealand Government to lift the level 4 lockdown the following week to help struggling businesses that were affected by the lockdown.[64] Bridges's disagreement with the decision to extend the lockdown was poorly received, prompting Deputy Leader Paula Bennett to issue a statement claiming that Bridges had the support of National's caucus.[65] On 23 April, a man was charged in court for threatening to kill Bridges and his family in a Facebook post.[66]

2020 New Zealand National Party leadership challenge

edit
Main article: May 2020 New Zealand National Party leadership election

On 18 May, a Newshub Reid Research public opinion poll was released, which recorded Bridges's preferred Prime Minister rating at 4.5% and voting intention for National at 30.6%, in contrast to Prime Minister Ardern and Labour's high approval rating.[67][68] In response to Bridges's low approval rating, National MPs Todd Muller and Nikki Kaye mounted a challenge for the leadership and deputy leadership of the National Party.[69][70] An emergency caucus meeting was held on 22 May to determine the party's leadership, resulting in him losing his position as leader of the National Party and Leader of the Opposition.[71]

Todd Muller Shadow Cabinet

edit
Main article: Shadow Cabinet of Todd Muller

On 2 July 2020, Bridges was allocated the foreign affairs portfolio in Todd Muller's shadow cabinet and was moved down to the number 17 spot on the National Party list.[72][73]

Judith Collins Shadow Cabinet

edit
Main article: Shadow Cabinet of Judith Collins

Following the election of Judith Collins as National's leader, Bridges was moved to the number four spot on the National Party List. Besides retaining his foreign affairs portfolio, Bridges also assumed the justice portfolio.[74]

During the 2020 general election, Bridges retained his seat in Tauranga by a final margin of 1,856 votes.[75] National was returned for a second term in opposition; in the post-election portfolio reshuffle, Bridges was named spokesperson for justice, water, Pike River Mine re-entry and Māori–Crown relations.

On 19 February 2021 Bridges attracted media attention when he criticised Police Commissioner Andrew Coster's efforts to combat gang and gun violence in New Zealand. Bridges described Coster as a "wokester commissioner" in a Twitter post.[76] On 25 February, Bridges clashed with Coster during a select committee hearing, criticising the New Zealand Police's "policing by consent" policies and asking whether the Police still conducted arrests.[77]

Bridges criticised Coster again in June 2021, claiming on Twitter that he witnessed a gang fight in the car park of a Tauranga hospital and adding "Just another day in the Bay of Plenty". Police confirmed that an altercation took place but denied any gang involvement.[78] Further investigation revealed that a patched Mongrel Mob member had helped jump start a vehicle in the parking lot shortly before an unrelated incident took place over a parking space.[79]

In August 2021 Bridges published a book National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider.[80]

On 24 November 2021, amid speculations Bridges was considering challenging Collins for the leadership, he was unexpectedly demoted from Collins' shadow cabinet due to allegations of "serious misconduct" relating to an interaction with fellow National Party MP Jacqui Dean in 2017.[81][82] Collins, however, was accused of using the allegation to smear him so he could not succeed her, as she was seen to believe a leadership spill was inevitable due to severe unpopularity. This claim was justified by espousers because Bridges was always seen to pose a significant threat to her leadership, as the figurehead of the party's moderate faction.[83] Bridges responded by calling his sacking "desperate" on Collins' part, while acknowledging that he had "engaged in some old wives' tales about [my wives and children] and how to have a girl" around Dean, and called some of his statements "clearly inappropriate".[84]

Collins' demotion of Bridges led members of the National Party's parliamentary caucus to call for a vote of no confidence in her leadership on 25 November. Deputy leader Shane Reti assumed the role of interim leader, with a leadership vote scheduled for 30 November.[85][86]

Christopher Luxon Shadow Cabinet

edit

Though Bridges initially announced that he would be running for the leadership of the National Party he subsequently withdrew from the contest and endorsed Christopher Luxon as leader on 30 November.[87][88] Luxon was subsequently elected by the party caucus as National Party leader that same day.[89] In Luxon’s Cabinet he was given spot number 3 and the portfolios of Finance and Infrastructure.

Bridges was one of only eight MPs to vote against the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act 2022 in mid-February 2022.[90]

Retirement

edit

Bridges announced his retirement from politics in March 2022 to spend more time with family and pursue commercial and media opportunities, triggering a by-election.[8] Bridges's finance and infrastructure spokesperson portfolios were filled by Nicola Willis and Chris Bishop, respectively.[91] Bridges later revealed that his decision to retire was prompted by a life-threatening liver injury his son Harry received in December 2021.[92] His retirement took effect on 6 May 2022.[93]

After Parliament

edit

Bridges moved to Auckland in 2022, to become the CEO and spokesman for the Auckland Business Chamber, replacing Michael Barnett (the CEO for 31 years). He also has an arrangement with Stuff New Zealand involving an audio deal.[94] His podcast Generally Famous launched in August 2022.[9]

On 11 March 2024, Bridges was appointed a member and chairperson of the New Zealand Transport Agency Board for a three-year term.[95]

Personal life

edit

Bridges grew up in a Christian household and has himself been a Christian since the age of 12 or 13.[96] He met his future wife Natalie, a British-born public relations consultant, while she was studying at the University of Oxford.[97][98] The couple have two sons, born in 2012 and 2014,[99][100] and a daughter, born in 2017.[101] The family lived in Matua, Tauranga.[102] As of 2008 he attended Holy Trinity Tauranga, an Anglican church.[10]

Bridges has a personal superannuation scheme, like 241 other New Zealanders (mainly MPs).[103]

Bridges's sister, Rachel Trimble, married National MP Simon O'Connor in December 2016.[104]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Bracewell-Worrall, Anna (27 February 2018). "Live updates: National chooses Simon Bridges". Newshub. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  2. ^ "Simon Bridges confirmed as new National leader, Paula Bennett remains deputy". TVNZ. 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  3. ^ a b Lynch, Jenna (27 February 2018). "Māori leaders 'proud' of new National leader Simon Bridges". Newshub. Archived from the original on 22 April 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  4. ^ Roy, Eleanor Ainge (27 February 2018). "New Zealand: National party elects Maori leader and deputy to take on Jacindamania". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 April 2020. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
  5. ^ Edwards, Bryce (15 February 2018). "Political Roundup: Why Simon Bridges is probably National's next leader". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Live: Todd Muller beats Simon Bridges in National Party leadership contest". Stuff. Archived from the original on 23 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  7. ^ "National Party leadership: Collins, Kaye, Bridges still in the running". Radio New Zealand. 14 July 2020.
  8. ^ a b Cooke, Henry (14 March 2022). "Former National Party leader Simon Bridges retiring from politics, will spark byelection". Stuff. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  9. ^ a b Stuff. "Simon Bridges: Generally Famous". interactives.stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d e f Dudding, Adam (25 September 2008). "Tauranga: you are now entering Winston country". Sunday Star Times. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2008.
  11. ^ Dickson, Sandra (18 December 2008). "Simon and Natalie – JFK and Jackie of New Zealand politics". NewsWire.co.nz. Whitireia Journalism School. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018. This source misspelt Ngāti Kinohaku as Ngati Kanohaku.
  12. ^ Forbes, Stephen (22 August 2002). "Former Rutherford Head Boy to speak". Western Leader. p. 14. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  13. ^ National Party biography: Simon Bridges Archived 24 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  14. ^ a b Dominion Post and NZPA (9 May 2008). "No Clarkson vs Peters battle in Tauranga". Stuff (company). Archived from the original on 11 June 2008. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  15. ^ Roughan, John (25 September 2008). "A word with... Simon Bridges". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  16. ^ "Stage set for tussle in Tauranga". ONE News. 14 June 2008. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
  17. ^ Humer, Tim (9 November 2008). "Newcomers on the stage and a veteran Act". Sunday Star Times.
  18. ^ "Peters' popularity wanes in latest poll". ONE News. 10 August 2008. Archived from the original on 20 May 2011. Retrieved 21 November 2008.
  19. ^ "Poll shows Winston Peters' chances in Tauranga near hopeless". 3 News. NZPA. 2 November 2008. Archived from the original on 21 May 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2008.
  20. ^ "Official Count Results – Tauranga". New Zealand Ministry of Justice. Archived from the original on 22 May 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2008.
  21. ^ Tait, Maggie (2 February 2010). "Govt to back greater penalties for animal cruelty". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2010.
  22. ^ a b "Official Count Results – Tauranga". Chief Electoral Office. Archived from the original on 3 January 2012. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  23. ^ "Bridges becomes minister, Tremain enters Cabinet". Television New Zealand. 2 April 2012. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  24. ^ a b "Hon Simon Bridges". New Zealand Parliament. Archived from the original on 9 March 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  25. ^ "TVNZ Search Results". TVNZ. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  26. ^ "Gay marriage: How MPs voted". The New Zealand Herald. 18 April 2013. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  27. ^ "Bridges, TV's Campbell explode into slanging match". Bay of Plenty Times. 15 October 2013. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  28. ^ "Greenpeace launches campaign for Simon Bridges to be sacked". The New Zealand Herald. 14 April 2014. Archived from the original on 10 June 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  29. ^ "Opinion: Is Simon Bridges asleep on the job?". Newshub. 20 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 May 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  30. ^ Davison, Isaac (9 April 2014). "PM defends new oil and gas exploration permits". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  31. ^ "National to replace 10 single-lane bridges in Northland". Scoop. Archived from the original on 23 December 2016. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  32. ^ "John Key backs Simon Bridges over Northland requests". Stuff. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 6 September 2017. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  33. ^ "Paula Bennett has won the battle for deputy Prime Minister and will team up with Bill English". Stuff. Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.
  34. ^ "National unveils strong Opposition team". Scoop.co.nz. 2 November 2017. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  35. ^ Vance, Andrea (2022). Blue Blood: The inside story of the National Party in crisis. Auckland: HarperCollins. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-7755-4215-5.
  36. ^ "Bill English announces retirement from Parliament". Scoop News. 13 February 2018. Archived from the original on 13 February 2018. Retrieved 13 February 2018.
  37. ^ "Bridges joining Collins in leadership contest". RNZ National. 14 February 2018.
  38. ^ New Zealand National Party (11 March 2018). "Bridges unveils team to take on Ardern-Peters Govt". Scoop.co.nz. Archived from the original on 12 March 2018. Retrieved 13 March 2018.
  39. ^ O'Brien, Tova (13 August 2018). "Simon Bridges' roadshow cash splash: $113k in taxpayer money on limos and hotels". Newshub. Archived from the original on 13 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  40. ^ "MPs' spending expenses revealed". Radio New Zealand. 16 August 2018. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  41. ^ Kirk, Stacey (14 August 2018). "National demands independent probe into Simon Bridges travel expenses leak". Stuff. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  42. ^ Bramwell, Chris (15 August 2018). "Inquiry launched into leak on Simon Bridges' expenses". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  43. ^ Moir, Jo (24 August 2018). "Exclusive: Text plea to call off Bridges expense leak inquiry". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  44. ^ "Speaker calls off Bridges expenses inquiry". Radio New Zealand. 24 August 2018. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  45. ^ Bennett, Lucy (24 August 2018). "Speaker Trevor Mallard 'obfuscating' on Simon Bridges leak inquiry, Gerry Brownlee says". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  46. ^ "Speaker abandons inquiry to reveal the leaker of Simon Bridges' expenses, signals it's a National Party person". 1News. 24 August 2018. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  47. ^ Bennett, Lucy; Walls, Jason (15 October 2018). "National MP Jami-Lee Ross identified as Simon Bridges' expenses leaker". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018. National leader Bridges called a press conference for 1 pm and told reporters an inquiry by PwC had concluded Ross was the person who leaked the information.
  48. ^ Watkins, Tracy (15 October 2018). "National Party leader Simon Bridges points finger at Jami-Lee Ross in expenses leak inquiry". Stuff. Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2018. National may move to suspend MP Jami-Lee Ross after an inquiry into who leaked leader Simon Bridges expenses' found he was the most likely culprit.
  49. ^ Meshino, Katsuhiko (12 November 2018). "New Zealand scandal renews fears of China's 'United Front' influence". Nikkei Asian Review. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  50. ^ Walters, Laura (17 October 2018). "Zhang Yikun and the alleged $100k donation". Newsroom. Archived from the original on 17 October 2018. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  51. ^ Lulu, Jichang (16 November 2018). "New Zealand: United Frontlings bearing gifts". Sinopsis. Archived from the original on 19 November 2019. Retrieved 18 January 2020.
  52. ^ "Jami-Lee Ross makes u-turn decision on resignation". Māori Television. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2013.
  53. ^ "National MP Jami-Lee Ross admits to affairs with two women, vows to stay in Parliament". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 20 October 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2018.
  54. ^ "SFO files charges in National Party donations case". Serious Fraud Office. Archived from the original on 29 January 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  55. ^ "SFO files charges over National donation claims". Newsroom. Archived from the original on 29 January 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2020.
  56. ^ Dreaver, Charlie (26 March 2020). "Special committee set-up as Parliament is adjourned". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  57. ^ "Simon Bridges to chair bipartisan select committee on Covid-19". Newstalk ZB. 25 March 2020. Archived from the original on 26 March 2020. Retrieved 26 March 2020.
  58. ^ "Bridges defends Wellington to Tauranga commute". Radio New Zealand. 6 April 2020. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  59. ^ Du Plessis-Allan, Helen (6 April 2020). "'My internet doesn't work': Bridges defends commute between home and Parliament". Newstalk ZB. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
  60. ^ Du Plessis-Allan, Helen (7 April 2020). "Simon Bridges clarifies statement on dodgy internet connection". Newstalk ZB. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  61. ^ Cooke, Henry (7 April 2020). "Coronavirus: Simon Bridges says he needs to be in Parliament as leader of opposition, defending commute from Tauranga". Stuff. Archived from the original on 7 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  62. ^ Bradbury, Martyn (8 April 2020). "Comparing Bridges commute to Clark's breach of quarantine are two separate issues". The Daily Blog. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  63. ^ Farrar, David. "Sense from Bomber". Kiwiblog. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
  64. ^ "Simon Bridges pushing for NZ to exit lockdown 'next week' to save businesses". 1News. 15 April 2020. Archived from the original on 15 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  65. ^ "Covid 19 coronavirus: Simon Bridges' Facebook post and National Party leadership - 'We back Simon' says Paula Bennett". The New Zealand Herald. 24 April 2020. Archived from the original on 22 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  66. ^ Savage, Jared (23 April 2020). "Kawerau man appears in Whakatāne District Court and charged with social media threat to kill Simon Bridges and family". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 24 April 2020. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
  67. ^ "Jacinda Ardern, Labour soar in new poll". Radio New Zealand. 18 May 2020. Archived from the original on 19 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  68. ^ Trevett, Claire (18 May 2020). "New poll: Labour and Jacinda Ardern surge in popularity, National and Simon Bridges plummet". The New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Archived from the original on 19 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  69. ^ "Todd Muller, Nikki Kaye to challenge for National Party leadership - source". Newshub. Archived from the original on 21 May 2020. Retrieved 20 May 2020.
  70. ^ Walls, Jason; Trevett, Claire (20 May 2020). "National leadership coup: Todd Muller confirms he'll challenge Simon Bridges on Friday". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 21 May 2020.
  71. ^ Whyte, Anna (22 May 2020). "Simon Bridges rolled, Todd Muller new National Party leader". 1News. Archived from the original on 22 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  72. ^ Cooke, Henry (2 July 2020). "National reshuffle: Simon Bridges gets foreign affairs role, but not a high ranking". Stuff. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  73. ^ Cheng, Derek (2 July 2020). "National's Todd Muller's first reshuffle - winners and losers revealed". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 2 July 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  74. ^ Devlin, Collette (16 July 2020). "National leader Judith Collins' reshuffle puts Simon Bridges back on front bench". Stuff. Archived from the original on 9 October 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  75. ^ "Tauranga - Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  76. ^ "Police crackdown on guns held by organised crime groups and gangs". Radio New Zealand. 19 February 2021. Archived from the original on 23 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  77. ^ McCullough, Yvette (25 February 2021). "Gang crackdown: Simon Bridges, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster face off at select committee". Radio New Zealand. Archived from the original on 25 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  78. ^ "Simon Bridges witnesses 'gang fight' in hospital carpark - police dismiss gang link". New Zealand Herald. 12 June 2021.
  79. ^ Tebbutt, Leah (29 July 2021). "Investigation documents on Simon Bridges' hospital gang brawl claims released". New Zealand Herald.
  80. ^ "New Books". HarperCollins New Zealand. 2021.
  81. ^ "Simon Bridges demoted following serious misconduct allegation after interaction with colleague". The New Zealand Herald. 24 November 2021. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  82. ^ Cooke, Henry (24 November 2021). "Simon Bridges demoted by Judith Collins over alleged historical comments to a female colleague". Stuff. Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  83. ^ "Judith Collins' move on Simon Bridges made position as National's leader intolerable". Stuff. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  84. ^ Small, Zane (26 November 2021). "Simon Bridges regrets 'inappropriate' remarks that upset Jacqui Dean, but will 'consider' run for National leadership". Newshub. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  85. ^ "National leadership: Judith Collins dumped; Shane Reti interim leader; Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon likely candidates". The New Zealand Herald. 25 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  86. ^ Manch, Thomas (25 November 2021). "Deposed National Party leader Judith Collins leaves Parliament in a hurry, says she's feeling 'very good'". Stuff. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  87. ^ "National leadership: Judith Collins dumped; Shane Reti interim leader; Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon likely candidates". The New Zealand Herald. 25 November 2021. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  88. ^ "National Party leadership: Chris Luxon set to be new National Party leader as Simon Bridges drops out of race". The New Zealand Herald. 30 November 2021. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  89. ^ "Christopher Luxon voted new National Party leader as Simon Bridges withdraws". Radio New Zealand. 30 November 2021. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  90. ^ "Politicians react as bill to ban conversion therapy passes". Radio New Zealand. 15 February 2022. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  91. ^ "National MP Nicola Willis named finance spokesperson after Simon Bridges announced retirement". Radio New Zealand. 16 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  92. ^ Swift, Molly (26 March 2022). "The heart-stopping family incident that drove Simon Bridges' shock retirement from politics". Newshub.
  93. ^ "Notice of Vacancy in Seat in House of Representatives". gazette.govt.nz. New Zealand Gazette. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  94. ^ "Simon Bridges". Stuff/Fairfax. 20 May 2022.
  95. ^ "Appointment to the New Zealand Transport Agency Board". New Zealand Gazette. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  96. ^ Smith, Jeremy (2020). "Building Bridges". Authentic Men's Magazine. Authentic Christian Trust. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  97. ^ "Tauranga: you are now entering Winston country". Stuff (company). 20 September 2008. Archived from the original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved 13 April 2013.
  98. ^ Rowan, Juliet (27 February 2018). "Natalie Bridges: The woman behind the new National leader". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 27 February 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  99. ^ Amy McGillivray (19 March 2014). "Simon Bridges welcomes second baby into family". Bay of Plenty Times. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  100. ^ McGillivray, Amy (19 March 2014). "Simon Bridges welcomes second baby into family". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  101. ^ Macfarlane, Kristin (9 December 2017). "Tauranga MP Simon Bridges and wife Natalie welcome new daughter". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
  102. ^ Ruth Keber, Julia Proverbs (11 March 2014). "Matua most sought after suburb in city". Bay of Plenty Times. Archived from the original on 15 September 2014. Retrieved 14 September 2014.
  103. ^ "Private super schemes-are MPs bridges to wealth". Stuff (Fairfax). 4 March 2018. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 3 March 2018.
  104. ^ Moir, Jo (10 December 2016). "Paula Bennett has won the battle for deputy Prime Minister and will team up with Bill English". Stuff (company). Archived from the original on 30 December 2016. Retrieved 10 December 2016.

Further reading

edit
  • Bridges, Simon (2021). National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider. Auckland: HarperCollins. ISBN 9781775541967.
edit
 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Simon Bridges.
New Zealand Parliament
Preceded by Member of Parliament for Tauranga
2008–2022 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by Minister of Transport
2014–2017 		Succeeded by
Leader of the House
2017 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Leader of the Opposition
2018–2020 		Succeeded by
Party political offices
Preceded by Leader of the National party
2018–2020 		Succeeded by
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Simon_Bridges&oldid=1261646604"