Simon Watts has today been selected as National's candidate to contest North Shore for the 2020 General Election.
"I'm incredibly excited to be chosen as National's candidate in North Shore and would like to thank the local members for their support," Mr Watts says.
"I'm looking forward to getting out, hitting the streets and earning the Shore's trust.
"As banks forecast negative growth, and some a recession, it's clear right now the North Shore, and the rest of New Zealand, need a National Government.
"Labour, the Greens and NZ First have shown they don't have the expertise in guiding the New Zealand economy through an economic shock like coronavirus, let alone the issues surrounding public health.
"Right now, more than 50 staff at North Shore Hospital are in self-isolation after a patient was able to walk in and out of hospital with symptoms for coronavirus and wasn't tested.
"It's clear our health system hasn't had enough support from this Government.
"National is focused on the issues affecting New Zealanders, growing the economy and actually delivering the roads and infrastructure that matters to North Shore residents, rather than just talking about it.
"A National Government would look after your hard-earned taxes and spend them wisely, in a way that gets results," Mr Watts says.
Simon replaces Maggie Barry who has held the seat since 2011 and is stepping down at this year's election.
"Simon Bridges leads a strong, motivated team that knows how to get things done," Mr Watts says.
"I can't wait to hit the campaign trail and make sure North Shore doesn't waste another three years under Labour, the Greens and Winston Peters."
Biographical Notes: Simon Watts
Simon Watts is most recently the Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Waitemata District Health Board.
He has a Bachelor of Management Studies, Accounting and Finance from the University of Waikato and a Bachelor of Health Science, Paramedicine from Auckland University of Technology. He is also a Chartered Accountant.
Simon joined the Royal Bank of Scotland in London in 2005. Through various management roles he helped the bank navigate its response to the Global Financial Crisis, including a period as Chief of Staff to the global investment bank CFO.
In 2013, Simon and his family returned to New Zealand where he took up a role at Counties Manukau DHB. In 2016, he moved to Waitemata DHB, and was ultimately promoted to Deputy Chief Financial Officer. Through this role he was responsible for supply chain, procurement, costing analytics, financial planning and property management.
When back in New Zealand, Simon also took the opportunity to pursue his interest in emergency medicine. Following his graduation with a Bachelor of Health Science, he joined St John as a frontline volunteer ambulance officer. He now spends many hours each month coordinating other volunteers, as well as attending emergency call-outs around the North Shore.
Simon is a type-1 diabetic and is a Trustee of the Diabetes New Zealand Charitable Trust.
Simon is married to Shannon and they have two school-aged sons. In his weekends, Simon enjoys running along North Shore's beautiful coastline.
