Auckland Business Chamber CEO and former National Party leader

Overview

Simon Bridges is one of New Zealand's most recognisable public figures, having led the National Party in Opposition and now leading the Auckland Business Chamber as Chief Executive. He is also Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. With a career across law, politics and business, he brings audiences a candid, plain-speaking view of New Zealand's economy, politics and the levers of growth.

Who is Simon Bridges? Simon spent 14 years in Parliament as the National Party MP for Tauranga, holding senior portfolios including Transport, Energy and Resources, and Economic Development. He served as Leader of the National Party from 2018 until 2020. He left Parliament in 2022 to become CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. An Oxford-educated lawyer, he is also the author of National Identity (2019).

Career Highlights

• Chief Executive, Auckland Business Chamber, from July 2022

• Chair, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, from 2024

• Leader of the New Zealand National Party, 2018–2020

• 14 years as MP for Tauranga (2008–2022)

• Senior Cabinet Minister: Transport; Energy and Resources; Communications; Economic Development; Statistics

• Author of National Identity (2019)

• BA / LLB (Hons), University of Auckland; BCL (Master of Civil Law), University of Oxford

• Former Crown Prosecutor

Key Speaking Themes

• The NZ economy: where it's heading and what business needs

• Auckland's economic future and the country's productivity challenge

• Inside politics, party leadership and the modern Beehive

• Infrastructure, transport and energy policy

• Resilience, reinvention and life after political leadership

What Your Audience Will Gain Simon brings rare insight into both sides of the policy fence – politics and business. Audiences leave with a clearer view of New Zealand's economic and political direction, and the practical implications for their organisation.

Ideal For

• CEO and leadership conferences

• AGMs, gala dinners and industry awards

• Infrastructure, transport and energy events

• Public policy and government-relations briefings

• Strategy days and executive offsites

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Simon Bridges speak about? The NZ economy, business and politics, infrastructure and transport, productivity, and leadership through change.

What is Simon Bridges's current role? Chief Executive of the Auckland Business Chamber and Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

When was Simon Bridges leader of the National Party? From February 2018 until May 2020.

What is Simon Bridges's background? Oxford-educated lawyer and former Crown Prosecutor; 14-year MP for Tauranga; senior Cabinet Minister; now Auckland Business Chamber CEO.

Has Simon Bridges written a book? Yes. National Identity, published in 2019.

How long is a typical keynote? 45 minutes is standard with Q&A optional. Fireside chats, panel formats and MC engagements are also available.