The Country - Bridges edition

Today on The Country we take a look at the new leader of the National Party, Simon Bridges.

On with the show:

Sir John Key:

As we await the announcement of the new National leader, we ask the man who lead the party from 2006-16 for his comments on the candidates, the legacy of his successor Bill English and his thoughts on the state of the economy.

Amanda Henderson:

Is a Takaka Hill sheep and beef farmer who we interviewed six days ago on The Country after Cyclone Gita struck. One week on we go back there for an update.

Damien O'Connor:

The Minister for Agriculture has little to say by way of the National Party leadership but is more forthcoming on the aftermath of Cyclone Gita and the ongoing battle against M. bovis.

Dion Bishell:

Is a Taranaki dairy farmer (and current Taranaki Sharemilker of the Year) running two farms just outside Hawera. One lost a cowshed roof – "It's now a sunroof" and was without power for 36 hours in the wake of Cyclone Gita.

Barry Soper:

The new National Party leader is the pre-election favourite Simon Bridges but our political editor expresses his surprise at the re-election of his deputy Paula Bennett.

Listen below: