People are taking to social media to have their say on the new National Party leader Simon Bridges.
New National Party leader Simon Bridges Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
He beat four other contenders, Amy Adams, Mark Mitchell, Steven Joyce and Judith Collins in a secret ballot.
Paula Bennett will remain the party's deputy leader.
Simon Bridges, 41, is the MP for Tauranga and was first elected to Parliament in 2008.
He is the first Māori leader of the National Party.
Many on social media are questioning whether he is the right person to take on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Not sure Simon Bridges is the person to challenge Jacinda, TBH
— The Postmaster-General (@Mighty_Kites) February 26, 2018
RIP @NZNationalParty like anyone would want Simon Bridges and the voice representing us on any world stage... Oh the embarrassment is too cringe to even think about. #nzpol #NationalParty
— scene_cachet (@scene_cachet) February 26, 2018
It's official: Simon Bridges will lead National to defeat in 2020. #nzpols
— Nathan Bayliss (@Natobay) February 26, 2018
Simon Bridges new National Leader = Labour Guaranteed 6 Years in Govt at the very least ☑️
— Lucan LeBlanc (@lucanleblanc) February 26, 2018
Another member of the public said the new leader turned him off the National Party.
see ya national simon bridges is a loathesome person have been a lifetime supporter cant see myself voting for them now nor can my parents too
— steve kelly (@SSteveke48) February 26, 2018
Others are more positive and have congratulated the new leader.
Simon Bridges becomes not only Leader of the National Party, but the first Māori to lead either major party in New Zealand's history. That's a significant milestone worth celebrating. #nzpol
— Gwynn Compton (@gwynncompton) February 26, 2018
I have to be honest here, I think that National have done the right thing electing Simon Bridges their new leader. It will be interesting to see how he holds the current government to account.
— Dale A. T. James (@DaleKiwi) February 27, 2018
Democracy is only as good as it's opposition after all.
This is seriously cool, looking at the four largest parliamentary parties (National, Labour, NZF + Greens) with their leader + deputy, five out of seven are Māori. Ka rawe!
— Amy Hodgkinson (@aehodgkinson) February 27, 2018
I’m happy - he’s a scrapper I quite like that about him
— Marama Fox (@FoxMarama) February 27, 2018
Hon Simon Bridges will be outstanding as the leader of the Opposition and he has already demonstrated his ability to highlight the Government’s weaknesses and hold them to account. https://t.co/74Vp1GcVDr
— Louise Upston (@LouiseUpston) February 27, 2018
