Judith Collins

Judith Collins is a prominent National Party politician who has held several senior cabinet roles and served as the Leader of the Opposition. First elected to the House of Representatives in 2002, she has been a significant figure in New Zealand politics for over two decades, known for her strong law-and-order stance and direct political style. Her ministerial portfolios have included Justice, Police, and Corrections. Collins led the National Party from July 2020 until November 2021, a period encompassing the 2020 New Zealand general election.

Early life and education

Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, she was raised on a dairy farm in the Waikato region. She attended Matamata College before pursuing higher education at the University of Auckland. There, she earned a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts, graduating in 1981. Her early professional life included work as a clerk at the Auckland District Court, providing foundational experience in the New Zealand justice system.

Legal and business career

After admission to the bar, she practiced as a lawyer specializing in commercial and property law. She held partnership roles at several Auckland law firms, including Grove Darlow & Partners. Beyond legal practice, she served as a director for various companies and was appointed as a member of the New Zealand Armed Forces Appeal Board. Her business acumen was further demonstrated through roles with the Auckland District Law Society and involvement in significant commercial negotiations and property developments prior to entering Parliament.

Political career

Elected as the Member of Parliament for Clevedon in the 2002 election, she later represented the Papakura electorate. Following the 2008 election, she entered the cabinet of Prime Minister John Key, initially as Minister of Police and Corrections. She was later appointed Minister of Justice and Minister for Ethnic Communities. After the National Party moved into opposition in 2017, she held various Shadow Minister roles. She was elected party leader in July 2020, succeeding Todd Muller, and led the party through the 2020 election and the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand. She resigned as leader in November 2021 and was succeeded by Christopher Luxon, subsequently serving as his Deputy and Shadow Attorney-General until the 2023 election.

Political positions and views

She is widely recognized as a conservative figure within the National Party, advocating for tougher sentencing and stronger police powers. She has been a vocal supporter of "Three Strikes" sentencing legislation and has taken a firm stance on gang activity and organized crime. On economic matters, she promotes tax cuts, reduced regulation, and free-market policies. Her tenure as Minister for ACC involved significant reforms to the Accident Compensation Corporation scheme. She has also expressed skepticism towards certain Treaty of Waitangi settlement processes and has been a critic of the Labour government's policies on climate change and co-governance.

Personal life

She is married to businessman David Wong-Tung. She has one adult son from a previous marriage. An avid reader, she has published a political thriller novel. She is known for her interest in New Zealand wine and is a supporter of the Auckland Blues Super Rugby team. Her nickname "Crusher" originated from her policy proposal to crush the cars of repeat boy racer offenders during her tenure as Police Minister. Category:New Zealand National Party MPs Category:Leaders of the Opposition (New Zealand) Category:Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives