Simon Bridges is the new board chair of Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.

The former National Party leader and transport minister has been appointed for a term of three years.

Bridges is also the chief executive of the Auckland Business Chamber.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown said Bridges will bring extensive experience and knowledge in transport policy and governance to the role.

“He will have a strong focus on delivery and outcomes and ensure that NZTA is working to implement the Government Policy Statement on land transport, which will provide the infrastructure New Zealanders need,” Brown said.

“Transport is a critical part of the Government’s plan for economic growth and productivity, and I look forward to working closely with Simon over the coming years to deliver the Government’s transport objectives.”

Bridges takes over from acting chair Cassandra Crowley.

Simon Bridges has been the CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber since 2022. Following a successful legal career, Bridges was elected to Parliament in 2008, representing the Tauranga electorate until his retirement in 2022. Throughout his political career, Bridges held a variety of ministerial portfolios including Transport, Economic Development, and Communications.