NZB What previous business experience did you bring to the Auckland Business Chamber, and what was it about this job that appealed to you?
SIMON: My first full-time job was as a lawyer in a commercial law firm where I learned the value of time and a dollar, most importantly the client's dollar. It was a lesson I took with me into politics. It influenced how I led as a minister and identified policy needs that would deliver value to the community.
Over my time in government I was a senior economic and infrastructure minister holding portfolios including Transport, Energy, and Economic Development. These gave me a broad ambit, and a great opportunity to mix with businesspeople working at the coalface every day,
