Simon Bridges is announcing he is retiring from politics and will leave Parliament in the coming weeks.

Bridges is currently the MP for Tauranga and National's Finance spokesperson.

'It's been a privilege to be MP for Tauranga since 2008, a senior Minister and Leader of the Opposition. I've enjoyed every minute of it, but it's time,” says Bridges.

'I will formally hand in my resignation to the Speaker in the coming weeks.

'I love the National Party and this year I will have been a proud member for 30 years. For the first time in a while, National is in a good place under Chris Luxon's leadership with momentum heading into the next election.

'I am proud to have played a significant role recently in getting National back in the hunt for government in 2023. I have every confidence in National to win the election.

'I'm excited about the future and exploring commercial opportunities.

'But more important to me than being a politician or a businessman, I'm a partner to Natalie and dad to Emlyn, Harry, and Jemima. This week my oldest two children turn 10 and 8 years old, and I want to be able to give them the best of me.”

Bridges held several Cabinet portfolios under John Key and then Bill English including Labour, Energy and Resources, Transport, Economic Development, Communications, and Associate Climate and Finance.

He was Leader of the National Party and Opposition from February 2018 to May 2020.

Chris Luxon.

Chris Luxon applauds Simon Bridges' contribution

National Party Leader Christopher Luxon has thanked retiring MP Simon Bridges for his immense contribution to building a better New Zealand.

'Simon has been an absolute champion for Tauranga, for New Zealanders and for the National Party over his 14-year career in Parliament. He was an excellent local MP, Minister, Leader of the National Party and colleague.

'As a Minister, Simon held portfolios focusing on the economy, infrastructure, transport, broadband and the Government's finances.

'As Transport Minister, Simon relentlessly pushed for upgrades to core infrastructure to drive productivity and help Kiwis get from A to B faster and safer. New Zealanders have Simon to thank for many of our improved state highways, which will be part of his lasting legacy.

'Recently, Simon has been the Opposition Finance Spokesperson, where he has been holding Labour to account for a cost of living crisis that is taking Kiwis backwards.

'Most importantly for me, since I became Leader Simon has been a trusted advisor and confidant. I am going to personally miss his contribution to the National Party caucus.

'I want to pay tribute to Simon's relentless efforts to make New Zealand a better place – and also thank Natalie, Emlyn, Harry and Jemima for letting their husband and dad spend so much time away from home to help achieve that goal.

'Simon, go well. I wish you the very best.”

Luxon will announce National's new Finance spokesperson in the coming days.

The process to select a candidate to stand for National in the Tauranga by-election will begin in the coming weeks.