Scoop's Meet The New MPs Project: Simon Bridges

Scoop's Meet The New MPs Project: Sarah Waters talks to National’s Simon Bridges

National Party MP, Simon Bridges talks about how his interest in politics from a young age evolved into him being elected as National MP for Tauranga and gives his opinion on two topical political issues.

The first issue is the decision taken by the government in relation to the smacking referendum. He highlights that the government respected the views of the people who voted in the referendum and the focus should be on addressing child abuse as opposed to prosecuting parents for a light smack.

The second issue he gives his opinion on is the merits of MMP versus FPP, if there should be a referendum on the subject and his preferred outcome. He talks about how he and the people of Tauranga always wanted a referendum or parliamentary reform of MMP. He states he definitely prefers FPP and the reasons why.

Lastly he talks about seven current MPs who he admires and he thinks exemplify how an MP should conduct themselves (only three were allowed to be from his party). He gives an interesting account of how he admires member of the opposition, Shane Jones. He also speaks highly of Green party members Keith Locke and Sue Bradford, stating that although he doesn’t agree with a lot of their views he respects their integrity as politicians.

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Biography:

Simon Bridges says he is one of those “rare weirdos” who has been fascinated by politics since his teens.

“No one in my family was a member of a political party, but I got involved really early about my mid- teens.

“I’ve always been an activist and involved in National party politics, for a long time holding office in the National Party and knowing the National MPs.”

Bridges maintained a strong involvement in politics.

He was electorate chairperson of National Party in Tauranga, but pursued a career in law, working in Tauranga as a crown prosecutor.

As a criminal lawyer Bridges says he saw cracks in the justice system, which initiated his move into a political career.

“As a criminal lawyer, I saw a lot of things I didn’t like about the system and things I knew could only be fixed by politics and politicians.

“I was thinking the criminal justice system can do better for victims and for people and I had a desire to get in there and be part of the solution.”

Bridges saw his chance to become National nominee for Tauranga when Bob Clarkson decided he was not going to stand again.

“It was a nerve-racking process, but in hindsight it kind of just fell into place and worked out okay, but getting nominated was just the start of it.”

Being the National nominee for Tauranga was no easy task, says Bridges.

He was competing against seasoned politicians, some of whom were almost twice his age, including Tauranga stalwart Winston Peters.

“I was up against a few men who were a lot older than me, so there were a few obstacles for sure.

“Having to go out and get amongst the electorate, the door-knocking, placards and getting yourself known.”

Bridges’ impressive background and fresh approach to politics brought the change to Tauranga that the people of the electorate were looking for.

He was elected as National’s candidate for Tauranga in June 2008.

At the age of 31, it looks like Bridges will stay in parliament more than the average term of three years, an ambitious MP to look out for in the future.

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS:

1. What is your view on the decision taken by the Government in relation to the smacking referendum in terms of what it says about NZ democracy?

“National Party respected and listened to the views of those who voted in the referendum.

“Many people who voted in the referendum are supporters of the National Party and we listened to them. But listening doesn’t mean you entirely agree or do what is being asked of you.

“I agree with John Key in respect to making sure the law is working and people aren’t being prosecuted for light smacks and instead focusing on child-abuse, which is where the focus should be.”

2. What is your view on the merits of MMP vs FPP? Should there be another referendum on the subject and what is your preferred outcome?

“I support a referendum for MMP and I think the people of Tauranga always knew there was going to be a referendum or parliamentary reform on MMP.

“I was too young to vote in the first referendum on MMP, but as a young political zealot, I definitely favoured FPP – even if you had of asked me five-years-ago, I still would have favoured FPP .... being part of the system and seeing the list MP’s consistent from across a range of parties.”

“I agree with Labour’s improvements to MMP, there’s an indication they’re onto something.”

“Personally I would prefer to see the number of MP’s shrunk down to 99 or 100 and keep 60 seats, plus the Maori seats, then have less list MP’s, while still remaining proportionality and still meeting many of the concerns that people from Tauranga or around the place have.”

3. Name a dream team of seven members of Parliament - people who you think exemplify how an MP should conduct him/herself. Your list of seven can only include three members of your own party.

“I admire John Key. I think he is a stand-out politician, with the ability to be Apolitical, and come up with solutions to problems.

“Tariana Turia, I admire her principals and the stance she took on the foreshore and sea bed when she was a Labour Minister.

“Nicky Kaye, I may not agree with her views on the environment, but she has integrity and really sticks up for her seat in central Auckland.

“Shane Jones across the house, he was a very good ability to be brilliant on the Marae in Te Reo and yet also be very effective in Parliament. A very good orator in both Maori and Pakeha, I guess you could say in both brown and white worlds.

“Admires not a word, I like Keith Lock from the Greens. I would probably disagree with nine and a half out of 10 things he says, but he’s a genuine person and has the ability to put aside the politics and enjoy good conversation with someone, even though their views may be quite different.

“Sue Bradford, again I don’t agree with all she says, but I like her integrity and purpose she brings to politics. She’s in politics because she believes in what she says.

“Tony Ryall, I think he’s an effective MP and a good operator who I’ve learnt a lot off. He’s a senior MP in the Bay of Plenty and I’ve picked up a lot from him about how to run a constituency and become a good MP. “

Sarah Waters is a journalism student at Massey University

ENDS

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