5 questions with: Simon Bridges

Photo: ODT files

Simon Bridges is MP for Tauranga and National Party spokesman for regional and economic development and immigration. 

What was the best birthday present you ever received, and why?

My first car, a red Mazda MX5 convertible, from my late-Aunty Lorna back in the 1990s. She wasn't getting enough for her trade in to a new model and thought "Damn it, I will give it to Simon then''. I was a hard-up uni student at the time and have never since had a more fun car.

What smell do you find irresistible?

Freshly baked cakes from the oven. Banana cake especially.

What is one strong childhood memory?

My mother regularly reading to me before bedtime. It started a lifelong love of books and is something I try to do with my children when not at Parliament.

What is your message?

New Zealand has been going well over the past few years. The challenge for the new Government is to keep it that way.

If you were going to an island and could only take three things, what would they be and why?

Other than family to keep me company, maybe a good novel, some music, and a packet of ginger kisses. Hopefully I wouldn't be staying for too long and these three things would help me while away the time very happily.