Judith Collins continues her prominent role in New Zealand politics now achieving her role as Attorney General under the new coalition arrangement between the National Party and ACT and New Zealand First.
The new Minister of Justice is Paul Goldsmith.
Showing Lazarus-style rises, Judith Collins lead the National Party to one of its poorest results in the 2020 election, due partly to the start of the Covid pandemic, and her moniker as ‘Crusher’ Collins, arising from an intention to crush the vehicles of boy racers, she has garnered a reputation as a tough operator in the Justice sector and also one who has been a strong advocate for victims’ rights and reforms in the justice sector.
We reported in 2020 of her ‘“chameleonic” approach where she can take on whatever role is required of her politically and play it to perfection, switching through her emotional range at will.
But her abilities and determination are not to be underestimated, as proven by her various professional, business and personal roles.
What is Her Background?
Political Journey and Key Achievements
Elected to Parliament in 2002, Collins initially represented the Auckland seat of Clevedon and later, following boundary changes, became the MP for Papakura in the subsequent elections of 2008, 2011, and 2014. Her political prowess was evident in her various ministerial roles, where she championed significant reforms and initiatives.
As the lead Minister of the Justice sector, Collins prioritized victim rights, introducing legislation to enhance their involvement in the justice process. She was instrumental in reforming New Zealand’s Family Court system, focusing on the welfare of children and vulnerable individuals.
Under her leadership, the system saw the introduction of non-contact orders and the strengthening of the Crimes Act to penalize silence in cases of known risk to children or adults.
Collins’ tenure saw the largest overhaul of law underpinning New Zealand’s courts, with her Judicature Modernisation Bill improving court transparency and public trust. She tackled cyber-bullying with increased penalties and launched New Zealand’s first Adult Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Court.
In her role as Minister for the Accident Compensation Corporation, Collins led a cultural shift, rebuilding public trust and introducing free after-hours ACC visits for children under six.
As Minister of Police, she strengthened law enforcement with additional frontline officers, introduced legislation to curb illegal street racing, and supported the use of Tasers and firearms for officers.
Her time as Minister of Corrections was marked by a smoking ban in prisons, the introduction of private management, and significant increases in prisoner rehabilitation programs.
Advocacy and Opposition
In opposition, Collins successfully campaigned for an inquiry into the effects of Agent Orange on Vietnam War veterans, earning recognition for her efforts.
Legal and Professional Background
She obtained first an LLB and then a LLM (Hons) and later a Master of Taxation Studies (MTaxS) from Auckland University before working as a solicitor for four different firms between 1981 and 1990, and then became principal of her own firm, Judith Collins & Associates in the decade up until 2000.
She became a special counsel to Minter Ellison Rudd Watts for the two years up until she entered parliament in 2002.
She held presidencies in both the Auckland District and New Zealand Law Societies. Her legal expertise spanned employment, property, commercial, and tax law.
Education and Personal Life
She also attended a leadership programme at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Born in Hamilton to dairy farmers, she was the youngest of six children and pursued her early education in Walton and Matamata, later graduating from the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland.
She has been involved in community service, being a Vice-Patron of the Ex-Vietnam Services Association Children’s and Grandchildren’s Trust, and a member of various professional and charitable organizations.
Personal Philosophy and Party Affiliation Originally a Labour Party supporter, Collins joined the National Party three years before her election to Parliament. Her philosophical stance is that of a liberal Anglican, reflecting a blend of progressive and traditional values.
Apart from her appointment as Attorney General she also has responsibilities as Minister for Digitising Government, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Minister for Space, Lead Coordination Minister for the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into the Terrorist Attack on the Christchurch Mosques.
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