He said 2020 was more than about just beating Jacinda Ardern, but also about challenging the Government's agenda and presenting what National can offer.
He agreed with Collins' assessment that the Government was "virtue signalling" and full of rhetoric, but had "very little hard policy substance".
"It's ultimately direction, and it's about making sure we have a prosperous, upbeat, aspirational New Zealand."
He said Labour lacked a strong plan when it was in Opposition for nine years and he didn't want National to make the same mistake.
However, he did not want to talk about where he would take the party if he was the leader: "I just don't think today is the day for that."
He said being Maori could be an advantage in having broader appeal.
"I understand my whakapapa. As a minister, professionally, I've spent a lot of time with iwi. My first three years in Parliament I was in the Maori Affairs select committee.
"I hope I can be a drawcard to Maori, and to a wide cross-section of New Zealanders."
Asked about weaknesses, he said he was sometimes too earnest.
Bridges said he wasn't running on a leader/deputy leader ticket, but heaped praise on other possible leadership contenders.
He said he had the highest regard for Amy Adams.
"She's an exceptional person and MP. She has a lot of acumen. Whatever happens, I look forward to working with her."
He described Collins as a "star".
"She's a great person who brings a lot to caucus, and whatever happens, you'd want to have her in your line-up because she speaks to a lot of New Zealanders, she has great values, and an authenticity that New Zealanders like."
He added: "I'm pretty excited about this. I'm very upbeat. I'm looking forward to the next two weeks."
