Simon Bridges: podcast appearances and interviews

Simon Joseph Bridges, born on 12 October 1976, is a New Zealand politician, broadcaster, lawyer, and business executive. He served as the Leader of the National Party and Leader of the Opposition from 2018 to 2020, and was the Member of Parliament for Tauranga from 2008 until his resignation in May 2022. Bridges is recognized as the first and currently the only Māori person to serve as leader of a major political party in New Zealand. Throughout his political career, he held several Cabinet positions including Minister of Transport from 2014 to 2017 and Minister of Economic Development from 2016 to 2017. He also served as the Leader of the House for a brief period in 2017. Bridges was elected as the leader of the National Party on 27 February 2018, succeeding Bill English. His leadership was challenged in May 2020 following poor polling results, and he was replaced by Todd Muller. In November 2021, Bridges was removed from the shadow cabinet following comments made in 2016 that drew controversy. He announced his retirement from politics in March 2022 to dedicate more time to his family. After retiring from parliamentary duties, he became the Chief Executive Officer of the Auckland Business Chamber. In addition to his business pursuits, Bridges has engaged in broadcasting, launching the podcast Generally Famous with Stuff in 2022. In 2024, he was appointed Chairperson of Waka Kotahi.