Climate change is coming. The droughts, floods and fires are already here. The economic, environmental and human impacts of climate change will be so much worse than that of the coronavirus, yet, for decades, climate and social justice activists have been told that the kind of change needed to prevent the catastrophe just isn't politically possible. And yet, in just a few short months, developed nations around the world have seen radical change in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Kevin Hague and Tamatha Paul will talk with Spinoff political writer Danyl Mclauchlan about why we're prepared to sacrifice for some causes but not others, and what we should do to bring about social and environmental change in the post-covid world. 

Simon Bridges is a lawyer turned senior National politician and MP for Tauranga, who has held a raft of senior responsibilities in New Zealand politics, including as Leader of the National Party and of the Opposition. Above all that, Simon is husband of Natalie and dad to Emlyn, Harry and Jemima.

As a Minister in the Key/English governments Simon held a wide variety of Ministerial portfolios including Economic Development, Transport, Communications, Energy & Resources, Labour, Associate Finance and Leader of the House. Prior to Parliament Simon started his career in a national law firm and was then a Crown prosecutor for several years conducting many serious criminal jury trials. Simon has an LLB (Hons) and BA from Auckland University where he received a Senior Law Prize, and a Bachelor of Civil law from Oxford University (where he met Natalie). In addition, Simon has studied at the London School of Economics and interned at the British House of Commons as part of a Chevening-Hansard Society Fellowship. At home, Simon enjoys board games and getting out and about with his kids. He also plays the drums (enthusiastically but not so well these days) and likes red wine, podcasts and reading.

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It’s election year and we need to talk. Join Verb Wellington and The Spinoff Members for a rough and ready rummage through key election issues with experts, commentators and the odd politician. With Danyl Mclauchlan and guests, last Wednesday of the month at Meow (9 Edward St) from March to August.