After his interview with Magic Talk, Bridges sent a statement to media on Monday afternoon, officially confirming the National Party's decision to suspend its election campaign.

"This morning I have asked all of our MPs to suspend any form of campaigning," the statement reads.

"Our MPs and candidates will still be in their communities offering help and advice to their constituents, giving out important information and advocating for them.

"The Opposition will continue to play an important role to ensure the best decisions are being made in the interests of all New Zealanders. We won't be campaigning for the foreseeable future, however."

He said he's been "talking a lot" with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and is willing to give her and the Government his "full support, as long as they're working expeditiously".

However, he believes the Government's current alert level is not high enough - and wants New Zealand to immediately make the jump from level two to level four.

"We've seen over the weekend these alert levels, that's a good initiative, but of course 'critical' is where we are. I do think we are at level four."

Simon Bridges' full statement on suspending National's election campaign

"This morning I have asked all of our MPs to suspend any form of campaigning.

"Our MPs and candidates will still be in their communities offering help and advice to their constituents, giving out important information and advocating for them.

"I have offered the Prime Minister my full support during this crisis, providing they move expeditiously enough. We will work in a supportive and constructive way in the interests of New Zealanders.

"I have also offered the Government the services of our MPs and staff to assist where we can.

"We want to do all we can to protect the lives and livelihoods of New Zealanders.

"In the past 24 hours I have been inundated with calls from doctors, health professionals, scientists and teachers all wanting the level to be raised.

"I believe the country needs to move to Level 4 on the Covid-19 alert system and I have expressed this to Jacinda Ardern.

"We won't regret moving quickly to stop this virus spreading. We may have regrets if we don’t.

"We will support the Government where we can. But we won’t always agree and we will continue to let the Government know when we don’t.



"The Opposition will continue to play an important role to ensure the best decisions are being made in the interests of all New Zealanders. We won't be campaigning for the foreseeable future, however."

