Natalie Bridges: 'The hard work begins now'

Natalie Bridges: The woman behind National's new leader Simon Bridges. Photo/File

"The hard work begins now."

Those were Natalie Bridges' words after her husband was announced as the new leader of the Opposition.

To show her support, Mrs Bridges flew from Tauranga to Wellington alongside her husband and was there to help him celebrate the win. But she was in no doubt the hard work was about to begin.

"He is ready to lead the National Party and their MPs in the caucus," she said. "But it is not about one leader, it is about the ideas of the whole team . . . and that is definitely how Simon rolls too."

Mrs Bridges said her husband would bring his own flavour, story and experiences and was up for the challenge.

"I am very proud of Simon," Mrs Bridges said. "He has got a heart of service. This is something that means a lot to him."

As the new National Party leader, Mr Bridges would need to continue juggling family and work life, now more than ever.

But Mrs Bridges said being appointed Leader of the Opposition was a "huge privilege" and the pair would continue to organise their lives around Mr Bridges' new responsibility.

"Together we have a good understanding of how we run our family, but when we do have time, it is precious," she said.

Mrs Bridges said she tried to keep a calm and stable household while Mr Bridges was out fulfilling his political duties. That included cooking him his favourite "meat and two veg" meals from time to time - a good Kiwi roast was a top pick on the politician's plate.

"One of my big roles is to ensure things are relaxed for them," Mrs Bridges said.

She said the pair were best friends as well as partners and said she would wholeheartedly support her husband in his new role.