When governance meets government: insights from Simon Bridges

Presentation

Speaker(s): Simon Bridges
Date: 12:00pm — 2:00pm, 24 February 2026
Venue: Beachside Conference and Events Centre
Location: 70 Beach Road, Tāhunanui, Nelson 7001
Price members: $60.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $60.00 incl GST

Overview

Join us for lunch as Simon Bridges shares a unique perspective to the intersection of governance and government. Drawing on his experience across a wide portfolio of public, private and not-for-profit boards, Simon will discuss what it is like serving on government-appointed entities, how these roles differ from private sector governance, and why directors should consider them as part of a balanced governance career.

A former lawyer and senior Cabinet Minister, Simon also served as Leader of the Opposition before transitioning into governance and executive leadership. Now based in Auckland, he is Chief Executive of the Auckland Business Chamber, Chair of NZTA Waka Kotahi, Chair of Eden Park Stadium Board of Trustees, an Independent Director of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (New Zealand) as well as a number of other businesses and organisations. His career gives him broad insight into leadership, public accountability, organisational performance and the practical realities of working at the interface of politics and governance.

Simon is a lively and engaging speaker and will welcome questions from members. This session is an opportunity to explore governance challenges, expectations and lessons from his diverse board roles, and to consider how these experiences can support your own governance development.

Events like this are made possible through strong local partnerships, and we are delighted to co-host it with the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce.

Simon Bridges

Auckland Business Chamber (ABC) CEO, also Chair of Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency), and on Boards of a number of companies in a range of sectors. Simon was the National MP for Tauranga, is a former New Zealand Leader of the Opposition and senior Cabinet Minister whose portfolios included Energy, Transport, Communications, Economic Development and he was the Leader of the House. In earlier years Simon was a litigation lawyer taking on the role of a senior Crown Prosecutor in the District and High Courts.

The Auckland Business Chamber is part of New Zealand’s largest business network organisation and part of the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce network. Successful business ensures there are vibrant and successful communities, and the Chamber contributes to this through their support and advocacy that delivers the best platform from which business can operate. Auckland Business Chamber has worked with business within NZ for more than 168 years – they are there when start-ups emerge and work with established businesses, trading locally and on the world stage. Auckland Business Chamber is a membership-based organisation and part of a network of more than 13,000 Chambers of Commerce internationally.

Additional information

Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.

Branch event cancellation policy

Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event. See our standard terms and conditions for more information.