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Video / NZ Herald
Auckland Chamber of Commerce boss and former National Party leader Simon Bridges says he has no plans to stand for the Auckland mayoralty in three years.
Speaking at Wayne Brown’s election party last night, Bridges denied rumours he planned to stand when Brown steps down after two terms in 2028.
Standing alongside his wife Natalie Bridges, who was shaking her head, Bridges said: “She is my greatest handbrake, even if I was mad enough to do something like that.”
Bridges, who stepped away from central Government politics in 2022 and turns 49 today, has been talked about in political circles as a future Mayor of Auckland.
“We all know politicians who move out of central Government and get the itch and end up as mayors, like my friend Nick Smith or Phil Goff, and many others, but I’m really enjoying what I’m doing. It’s a great portfolio of things I have got, so I have no plans to stand for mayor,” he said.
As well as leading the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and enjoying living in Auckland with a young family, the former Minister of Transport also chairs NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
Simon Bridges is enjoying life in Auckland as chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce. Photo / Dean Purcell
Asked if he meant he had no plans “at this stage”, Bridges gave a cheeky “it’s good to talk to you” and left it there.
He was full of praise for Brown’s victory, saying it showed he had a record of achievement.
“It’s hard to achieve things in local government, whether it’s CCO [council-controlled organisations] reform, getting the port performing better, or even Browny’s pool.”
Nick Smith, a friend and former colleague of Simon Bridges, has transitioned into local politics. Photo / Mark Mitchell
From a business perspective, Bridges was looking forward to seeing continued progress on infrastructure, cleaning up the city centre, keeping rates relatively low and ensuring a good business environment for Auckland.
He also saw a need for Brown and the council to get the balance right with central Government, and vice versa.
“There will always be a few sideshows, but we hope there will be a bit less of that and a bit more meaningful progress,” Bridges said.
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