Former National MP Simon Bridges is ready to "have some fun" with his new gigs hosting a digital audio show for Stuff and writing columns for the National Business Review (NBR).
Bridges delivered his valedictory speech in Parliament on Wednesday, after announcing his resignation from Parliament in March, sparking a by-election in Tauranga.
In his speech, Bridges joked that it "won't be the longest valedictory" because "the really good stuff... is for the next book".
"Look out for National Identity 2 a couple of months before the next election in all quality bookstores near you."
But Bridges, in all seriousness, is taking up new roles in the media.
The departing veteran politician has, according to Stuff, signed on to host the outlet's first digital audio show - a big change for Bridges who has spent 14 years in Parliament, two of them as Opposition leader.
"It's a great way to have some fun, possibly be a bit deep and meaningful from time to time and have a creative outlet," Bridges told Stuff.
"In terms of the content, what I would say is, it won't be what people necessarily expect from me. People have one sort of view of me, but I'm hopeful it will be unexpected and refreshing."
Bridges isn't the only former National Party leadership team member to embrace the media. His former deputy Paula Bennett hosts TVNZ's Give Us a Clue.
The National Business Review also revealed Bridges as their newest columnist.
"I really enjoyed writing my memoir, National Identity, and so I want to keep that going," the father-of-three said.
"As with the audio, I found the writing to be a really fun, interesting and creative outlet for me. If that's not what life's about, what else is it about?"
And if his valedictory speech is anything to go by, you can bet there'll be some straight talk.
"To more senior MPs, I make this plea: please, please, let's not be quite so poll and focus group driven. They will make you nice, and beige, and timid - in short, wishy-washy."
Bridges said he also hopes his new show is thought-provoking. There's plenty of topics he could delve into, not least of all his conservative views.
"I accept, as a conservative conviction politician, I'm somewhat out of favour these days - a young fogey, maybe," Bridges said in his speech.
"But politics ebbs and flows, and, as with other things, maybe views like mine will move back into vogue one day."
Speaking to Newshub Live at 8pm following an after-party at the Backbencher pub across the road from Parliament on Wednesday, Bridges reflected on how politics has changed during his time.
"It's changed a lot in Parliament. I remember coming in and there was [Helen] Clark and Rodney Hide and Winston Peters. There was a lot of character; people got up and spoke from the heart. I think we've gone away a bit from that... Let's be bold."
Bridges said social media and 'cancel culture' has had an impact.
Reflecting on working in Parliament, Bridges admitted that he could get "addicted to the adrenaline" and "trying to win the battle of ideas in the media".
The 45-year-old is yet to confirm speculation he will also be leading the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
