Former Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall's move into post-Parliament life has seen him land a job at major law firm Simpson Grierson.

Resigning from politics at this year's general election, Tony will join the law firm as its head of the public policy practice, starting from the end of January next year.

Former Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall. Photo: File.

He will provide strategic and operational leadership to the public law unit as part of its senior executive team.

'The interface between the public and private sectors in New Zealand is increasingly important, and I am looking forward to working at that interface with Simpson Grierson and its clients,” he says.

Tony was in Parliament for 24 years, starting as an MP for East Cape in 1990, at the age of 26.

He worked as a young back-bencher, an opposition spokesman and a minister of six portfolios, including Minister of Health and State Owned Enterprises.

'Tony brings to Simpson Grierson a long and impressive track record in public life,” says Simpson Grierson chairman Kevin Jaffe.

'And he will be a strong contributor to the firm's senior leadership team. This appointment is another significant initiative in the development and growth of our firm.”

Kevin says Tony is a proven leader who has gained wide respect across the political spectrum as well as from community and business leaders.

He adds that over the years Tony has developed an in-depth knowledge of public policy issues across government and business, giving him a diverse and unique view across New Zealand and wider regional economy.