Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Analysis: Perhaps now we’ll finally get a Judith Collins’ memoir that actually ‘Pulls No Punches’.
No question a full account of her storied history in New Zealand politics would make a rip-roaring read, one with high highs, low lows and extraordinary comebacks.
Collins’ retirement from politics will close the chapter on a more-than-two-decade stint as one of Parliament’s main characters.
“I’m sort of over it,” she says of the so-called ‘bear pit’ at Parliament. “I’ve done my dash.”
You wouldn’t think that from Wednesday’s media conference, where she displayed her trademark twinkle, dismissing previous scandals as “rubbish” and telling one reporter off for his “naughty” question line.
Collins is one of New Zealand’s most formidable and polarising political figures, an MP who has achieved the status of household name. She is regarded “Mother of the House” as its current longest serving female MP.
Does she leave with regrets? At first, Collins hedges, then reverts to type. “It’s a tough environment,” she says. “You’ve got to be prepared for the rough and tumble.”
Collins entered Parliament in the 2002 intake, along with one John Key, and went straight into Cabinet after National’s 2008 victory.
In little time she built a reputation as a hard-nosed, no-nonsense operator, leaning into a ‘tough-on-crime’ image as Police Minister and winning the enduring moniker of ‘Crusher Collins’ for her crackdown on boyracers.
Collins has mixed feelings about the nickname, but acknowledges it sent a message: “As long as they’re calling you something, it’s probably better than calling you nothing.”
Behind the scenes, her staff often spoke of a softer side, acknowledging her deep loyalty and kindness, characteristics not always seen in Beehive offices.
Collins’ Cabinet portfolios have stacked up over the years, numbering 18 different roles in total – proof she was considered highly competent, even if controversial.
And, yes, she was no stranger to controversy. Collins notes she leaves with some scars on her back.
The first major ruptures came in early 2014 with a series of scandals, including a perceived conflict of interest related to dairy company Oravida and Nicky Hager’s ‘Dirty Politics’ allegations.
Media surround Judith Collins before she enters the debating chamber during the Oravida controversy in 2014. RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The scandals culminated in her resignation from Cabinet after a leaked email suggested Collins had undermined the former head of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO).
“What a load of rubbish,” Collins says now. “And I was exonerated.”
In late 2015, she was reinstated to Cabinet after an inquiry found no evidence she had been involved in the smear against the SFO boss.
Despite obvious ambitions on the leadership, Collins had great difficulty securing the support of enough of her caucus colleagues to take power.
It took the peculiar circumstances of 2020 for Collins to finally be elevated to the role of Opposition leader, after her predecessor Todd Muller flamed out spectacularly just weeks into the job.
Her stint as leader, however, also proved short and turbulent.
The conditions were far from ideal, with then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the height of her pandemic popularity and the National caucus riven with leaks and ill discipline.
Collins’ own performance left a lot wanting too as she spearheaded what could only be described as a trainwreck of a campaign.
Judith Collins announcing National Party policies during the 2020 election campaign, alongside Simon Bridges (left). RNZ / Simon Rogers
She led National to a crushing election defeat. “Yeah, that wasn’t great,” Collins wryly recalls. “[But] it could have been worse.”
Not by much. The caucus limped on, demoralised and divided.
In late 2021, Collins announced the shock late-night demotion of her rival Simon Bridges in what was seen as an attempt to strengthen her hold on the leadership.
Instead, it brought about its abrupt end, with a caucus vote of no confidence. Christopher Luxon was installed as her replacement days later.
Many politicians would have taken the opportunity to exit.
But Collins was due yet another comeback.
Rather than retreating, she won the friendship and respect of Luxon, returning to Cabinet as one of the most senior ministers, trusted with weighty portfolios like Attorney General and Defence.
It underscores what is perhaps Collins’ most defining political trait: resilience.
“How come I’m so resilient?” Collins says. “Well, actually, it’s because I’ve had to be.”
She is not quite out the door yet. Collins has delayed her departure for several months to avoid the need for a by-election and will remain in her ministerial roles for at least some of that time.
Luxon is no rush to replace her. He was effusive in his praise of Collins on Wednesday but dismissed suggestions her exit would leave an experience gap.
“We’ve got talent coming through our system,” Luxon said.
Chris Penk is widely expected to enter Cabinet and pick up the Defence portfolio.
Collins, meanwhile, will take up a new position as president of the Law Commission.
The move itself is somewhat contentious given the independent nature of the role. Opposition MPs have raised eyebrows, but Collins says she’ll play a straight bat: “I’m a lawyer, you know.”
She says she expects her time will soon be taken up writing a lot of reports: “I won’t be writing anything… too spicy.”
That next book may have to wait a little while then.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
