It's all about education for Simon Bridges as he looks to stamp his mark as the National Party leader.
Mr Bridges told Morning Report National would aim to have up to 30 charter schools, triple the present number, because they work.
"In the context of many hundreds of schools, choice is important and more than that we're seeing the results from [charter schools]".
It would be "fantastic" to get to 30 charter schools, he said.
He said Labour was "blinded by ideology" but National would do what worked.
"The partnership schools are working, I've seen the results first hand, and I'll bring them back."
Class sizes
At yesterdays National Party conference Mr Bridges has revived an old Labour Party policy to reduce primary school class sizes though it will be another two years before there are specific details.
His announcement also harks back to one of the biggest embarrassments of the John Key government, a forced back down in 2012 over a policy change that would have led to larger class sizes.
Mr Bridges walked into a packed SkyCity at midday yesterday, hand-in-hand with wife Natalie, as drums beat loudly from speakers overhead.
The crowd had just been treated to a two minute video of Mr Bridges showing off his skills on a drum kit while introducing his family and explaining how he got into politics - something his friends think he's mad for wanting to do.
As with many new leaders the keynote speech was as much about presenting Mr Bridges as a father, husband and family man as it was about policy direction.
Following on from a commitment to reintroduce charter schools, Mr Bridges made this pledge to party faithful.
"I want more teachers in our primary schools to ensure smaller class sizes for our children."
Mr Bridges said he was interested in improving the education system, not in what happened in the last National government or Labour's past campaigns.
"Look they never did it, they talked a big game, but actually what we've seen is they've prioritised things such as diplomats, free fees and a slush fund for Shane Jones.
"I'm making clear that as a new leader of the National Party I will prioritise smaller class sizes,'' he said.
Mr Bridges said he would not put any figures on what the ratio should look like, nor how much the policy could cost, except to say it could run into the hundreds of millions.
Asked about a 2012 Treasury assessment that teacher quality is key to student achievement, Mr Bridges told Morning Report there was other evidence pointing to the importance of class sizes.
"It's not that quality doesn't matter - of course it does. If you've got limited money you would focus on that.
"I'm trying to do something at the early stages for the best start for kids."
Class sizes 'good move'
Mother of five, Agnes Loheni, was at SkyCity to hear Mr Bridges' keynote speech and thinks he is growing into the leadership role.
"Look, I understand the challenges in education. I think having more teachers is always good but there are always other things around it to support it - so I definitely think it's a good move.''
Peter Martin from Pakuranga said Mr Bridges was improving as leader all the time and he supported his plans to increase the number of teachers.
"We've got to get our pupils educated, we've got too many leaving school that aren't up to scratch and a lot of employers are saying we've got to teach them to read and write before we can employ them. I think that's a very good progressive step.''
Simon Bridges speaking at the weekend conference Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
MPs were not concerned the conference kicked off with recycled ACT Party policy pledging to reinstate charter schools.
Nor were they bothered about any criticism over their medicinal cannabis bill and it taking them being in opposition to do the work on it.
Senior MP Judith Collins praised both announcements, saying National has more time in opposition to do the policy work.
"I think you're also going to see us changing our position where we've been in government on a few things, primarily because we can and because there's nothing like a good loss - even though in this case it was a pretty heartfelt loss - to make you think 'well is there something we can do differently?''
Rookie MP Erica Stanford liked the fact Mr Bridges was not afraid to tackle more radical policy.
"Simon has got new ideas, he's got a new focus, we are a party with a lot of new young MPs - we've got lots of new ideas.''
With only one week left until the spotlight goes on the return of Jacinda Ardern and baby Neve, Mr Bridges will be hoping his performance hit the right note and assured supporters he has the chops to take on and beat Ms Ardern in 2020.
Speaking of Ms Ardern, many eyebrows were raised within National when she took to Facebook to post a live video within two hours of Mr Bridges exiting stage right.
Ms Ardern talked about it being roughly a week before she was back on deck saying her return would coincide with work in the mental health space, trade-related matters and an employment announcement.
