Key Takeaways:
- Judith Collins, a veteran National politician, will become the new president of the Law Commission.
- She will leave Parliament after more than two decades as an MP and will not seek re-election in her Papakura electorate at November’s election.
- Collins has held various portfolios, including Leader of the Opposition, Attorney-General, Police, and Corrections.
- She has been thanked by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for her service and commitment to New Zealand.
- Collins’ announcement comes as Green Party list MP Celia Wade-Brown also announced her retirement from Parliament.
Introduction to Judith Collins’ Career
Judith Collins, a prominent figure in New Zealand politics, has announced that she will be leaving Parliament after more than two decades as an MP. She will not be seeking re-election in her Papakura electorate at November’s election and will instead take up a new role as the president of the Law Commission in mid-2026. Collins has had a distinguished career, serving in various portfolios including Leader of the Opposition, Attorney-General, Police, and Corrections. Her dedication and commitment to public service have been recognized by her peers, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who has thanked her for her service.
A Career of Public Service
Collins has been a member of Parliament since 2002 and has held various senior roles across multiple governments. She played a key role in Sir John Key’s government and later for National in opposition. In 2020, she led National through the election campaign, although the party suffered a major defeat amid internal infighting. Despite this, Collins returned to Cabinet as defence minister and attorney-general when National’s Christopher Luxon formed a coalition with ACT and NZ First to form a government. Throughout her career, Collins has demonstrated her commitment to New Zealand and her ability to work across different portfolios and governments.
Tribute to Collins’ Service
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has paid tribute to Collins’ service, stating that it is with "great regret and enormous gratitude" that he thanks her for her dedication to New Zealand. Luxon noted that Collins is "eminently qualified" for the role of president of the Law Commission, given her astute legal knowledge. He also acknowledged her commitment to New Zealand, her loyalty to the National Party, and her unshakeable belief in standing up for what she thinks is right. Luxon’s tribute highlights Collins’ significant contributions to New Zealand politics and her reputation as a dedicated and passionate public servant.
Personal Reflections and Gratitude
In a statement, Collins reflected on her career, stating that it has been a "privilege" to serve New Zealand across her nearly 24-year career in politics. She expressed her gratitude to her husband, David, and son, James, who have supported her throughout her career. Collins also thanked the "very capable and committed teams" that have worked with her in various roles, as well as the electorate volunteers who have worked with her during her time as the local MP. Her comments highlight the importance of family and support in enabling her to carry out her public duties.
A New Chapter
Collins’ announcement marks the end of an era in New Zealand politics, but also signals a new chapter in her career. As president of the Law Commission, she will bring her legal expertise and experience to the role, following in the footsteps of other highly regarded New Zealanders such as Sir Geoffrey Palmer. Collins’ decision to leave Parliament and take up this new role is a testament to her commitment to public service and her desire to continue making a contribution to New Zealand in a different capacity. As she embarks on this new chapter, Collins can look back on her career with pride, knowing that she has made a significant impact on New Zealand politics and public life.
Conclusion and Future Implications
In conclusion, Judith Collins’ decision to leave Parliament and take up the role of president of the Law Commission marks the end of an era in New Zealand politics. Her career has been marked by dedication, commitment, and a passion for public service. As she embarks on this new chapter, Collins will bring her expertise and experience to the Law Commission, and her legacy will continue to be felt in New Zealand politics. The implications of her departure from Parliament will be closely watched, particularly in the lead-up to the November election. However, one thing is certain – Judith Collins will be remembered as a significant figure in New Zealand politics, and her contributions will be valued for years to come.