:Judith Collins

Collins was born in Hamilton. Her parents were dairy farmers Percy and Jessie Collins of Walton in the Waikato and she was the youngest of six children.{{cite press release | author=Judith Collins | title=Maiden speech | url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0208/S00310.htm | publisher=Scoop | date=30 August 2002 | access-date=26 December 2012 | archive-date=30 September 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930074123/http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0208/S00310.htm | url-status=live }} She was educated at Walton School, Matamata Intermediate and Matamata College.{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/122768156/from-waikato-to-the-world-the-rise-of-jacinda-ardern-and-judith-collins |title=From Waikato to the world: the rise of Jacinda Ardern and Judith Collins |date=19 September 2020 |first=Aaron |last=Leaman |work=Stuff |access-date=21 January 2025}} In 1977 and 1978, she studied at the University of Canterbury. In 1979, she switched to the University of Auckland, and obtained first a Bachelor of Laws degree and then Master of Laws (Hons) and later Master of Taxation Studies (MTaxS) degrees. In 2020, she graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety from Massey University.{{cite web |url=https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/judith-collins-on-recently-graduating-i-feel-better-prepared-to-do-my-job/ |title=Judith Collins on recently graduating: 'I feel better prepared to do my job' |publisher=Massey University |date=3 June 2020 |accessdate=15 April 2022}} She met her husband, Chinese-Samoan{{cite journal |last=Clifton |first=Jane |date=24 March 2006 |title=Leader of the pack |journal=Listener |volume=202 |issue=3436 |url=http://www.listener.co.nz/uncategorized/leader-of-the-pack/ |access-date=25 October 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323142652/http://www.noted.co.nz/archive/listener-nz-2006/leader-of-the-pack/ | archive-date=23 March 2017}} David Wong-Tung, at university. He was then a police officer and had migrated from Samoa as a child. They have one son. Collins has described herself as a liberal Anglican.{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300140381/is-newlook-national-really-more-socially-conservative |title=Is new-look National really more socially conservative? |date=23 October 2020 |work=Stuff |first=Laura |last=Walters}}

Collins was a Labour Party supporter from childhood, but by 2002 had been a member of the National Party for three years.{{cite news|last=Orsman|first=Bernard|title=National purge sweeps into safe seat|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1844041|access-date=19 April 2013|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=8 May 2002|archive-date=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615092745/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=1844041|url-status=live}} She has been a member of Zonta International and of Rotary International.{{cite web |title=Hon Judith Collins |url= http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/MPs/d/0/7/50MP77901-Collins-Judith.htm |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=8 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130209203250/http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/MPP/MPs/MPs/d/0/7/50MP77901-Collins-Judith.htm |archive-date=9 February 2013}}

After leaving university, she worked as a lawyer, specialising in employment, property, commercial, and tax law. She worked as a solicitor for four different firms between 1981 and 1990 and then became principal of her own firm, Judith Collins & Associates (1990–2000). In the last two years before the election to Parliament, she worked as special counsel for Minter Ellison Rudd Watts (2000–2002).

She was active in legal associations, and was President of the Auckland District Law Society (1998–1999) and Vice-President of the New Zealand Law Society (1999–2000). She served as chairperson of the Casino Control Authority (1999–2002) and was a director of Housing New Zealand Limited (1999–2001).{{cite web |url=https://matcol.nz/our-alumni/judith-collins/ |title=Judith Collins |publisher=Matamata College |access-date=8 December 2018 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209124635/https://matcol.nz/our-alumni/judith-collins/ |url-status=live }}

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Collins was elected to Parliament in the {{NZ election link|2002}} as the National MP for Clevedon. Although technically a new electorate, Clevedon was largely based on the old {{NZ electorate link|Hunua}} electorate, held by National's Warren Kyd.{{cite news|last=Tunnah|first=Helen|title=National Party puts Kyd out in wilderness|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/election-2002/news/article.cfm?c_id=774&objectid=1844885|access-date=19 April 2013|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 May 2002|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042310/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/election-2002/news/article.cfm?c_id=774&objectid=1844885|url-status=live}}

In Parliament, Collins became National's Associate Spokesperson on Health and Spokesperson on Internal Affairs. In 2003, these responsibilities were changed for those of Associate Spokesperson on Justice and Spokesperson on Tourism. She was generally regarded as having performed well and when Katherine Rich refused to give full support to the controversial Orewa Speech by then-party leader Don Brash, Rich was demoted in February 2005 and Collins became National's spokesperson on Social Welfare instead.{{cite book |last=Hager |first=Nicky |title=The Hollow Men: A Study in the Politics of Deception |date=2006 |publisher=Potton & Burton Limited |isbn=978-1-877333-62-0 |page=145}} Collins then served as spokesperson on Family and spokesperson on Pacific Island Affairs.

In 2003, while in opposition, Collins campaigned for an inquiry to find out whether New Zealand troops were exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and if so any effect this subsequently had.{{cite news |title=Swing seats: Papakura new battleground |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2263155/484445/article.html |newspaper=One News |date=6 November 2008 |access-date=1 January 2013 |archive-date=19 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419015151/http://tvnz.co.nz/content/2263155/484445/article.html |url-status=live }} Despite previous inquiries stating otherwise, the committee established that troops were exposed to defoliant chemicals during their service in Vietnam, and therefore operated in a toxic environment.{{cite web |last=Chadwick |first=Steve |author-link=Steve Chadwick |title=Inquiry into the exposure of New Zealand defence personnel to Agent Orange and other defoliant chemicals during the Vietnam War and any health effects of that exposure, and transcripts of evidence: Report of the Health Committee |url=http://media.apn.co.nz/webcontent/document/pdf/2004chadwick.pdf |publisher=House of Representatives |access-date=1 January 2013 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193015/http://media.apn.co.nz/webcontent/document/pdf/2004chadwick.pdf |url-status=live }} This resulted in an apology in 2004 from the Labour-led Government to Veterans and the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support veterans.{{cite web |title= Joint Working Group on Concerns of Viet Nam Veterans |url= http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/ad46619e19fa042bcc256a8a0001c7b4/aa6ccacb17997f3ccc25782600163473!OpenDocument |publisher= Department of Internal Affairs |access-date= 1 January 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130212153427/http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/ad46619e19fa042bcc256a8a0001c7b4/aa6ccacb17997f3ccc25782600163473!OpenDocument |archive-date= 12 February 2013 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all }} In 2004 Collins was awarded the Ex-Vietnam Services Association Pin for campaigning for the inquiry.

Collins's Clevedon electorate disappeared under boundary changes for the {{NZ election link|2008}}. She originally announced her intention to seek the National Party nomination for Howick, which comprises the urban part of her former Clevedon electorate. However, following objections made to the Electoral Commission over draft changes to the boundaries that saw a major redrawing of the adjacent constituency Pakuranga, the draft Howick was redrawn and renamed Botany. Collins then sought and won the nomination for Papakura (which comprises the other half of her former Clevedon electorate) and allowed her colleague National Party MP Pansy Wong to seek nomination for Botany. Collins won Papakura with a majority of more than 10,000 votes.{{cite web |title=Official Count Results – Papakura |url=http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/electorate-39.html |publisher=Chief Electoral Office |access-date=29 December 2012 |location=Wellington |date=22 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130504004741/http://2008.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2008/electorate-39.html |archive-date=4 May 2013 }}

The National Party formed a government after the 2008 election, and Collins entered Cabinet with the portfolios of Police, Corrections and Veterans' Affairs. Early in 2009, she was created Minister Responsible for the Serious Fraud Office.

After the {{NZ election link|2011}} she was appointed Minister of Justice, Minister of Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Minister of Ethnic Affairs and, with a Cabinet ranking of five, was the highest ranked woman.{{cite web |last=Collins |first=Judith |title=Hon Judith Collins – Biography |url=http://www.national.org.nz/Bio.aspx?Id=30 |publisher=New Zealand National Party |access-date=30 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041227204423/http://www.national.org.nz/Bio.aspx?Id=30 |archive-date=27 December 2004 }}

File:Judith Collins 2010 Battle of Britain 70th commemorations.jpg, 2010]]

In 2009, Collins questioned the leadership of, and later refused to express confidence in, Department of Corrections chief executive Barry Matthews, after a spate of bad publicity.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10695614 |title=Prisons boss ends six years' hard labour |first=Derek |last=Cheng |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=21 December 2010 |access-date=27 January 2012 |archive-date=22 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122053714/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10695614 |url-status=live }} However, after an enquiry by the State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie, Matthews kept his job because Corrections had made efforts to improve and had warned the government of the day and the previous government that under-resourcing was putting public safety at risk.{{cite news | last=Espiner | first=Colin | title=Head survives and dept in line to get more cash | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2203131/Head-survives-and-dept-in-line-to-get-more-cash | newspaper=The Dominion Post | date=10 March 2009 | access-date=26 December 2012 | archive-date=11 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011030721/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/2203131/Head-survives-and-dept-in-line-to-get-more-cash | url-status=live }}

Collins increased the availability of work programmes in prison,{{cite web |title=Prisoner Employment |url=http://www.corrections.govt.nz/about-us/fact-sheets/managing-offenders/education,_training_and_employment/prisoner-employment.html |publisher=Department of Corrections |access-date=29 December 2012 |quote=The Department is developing a new strategy to boost the number of prisoners learning industry-based skills by a further 1,000 prisoners by 2011. Part of that strategy will involve engaging with private companies about meaningful work and training for prisoners. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120103446/http://corrections.govt.nz/about-us/fact-sheets/managing-offenders/education%2c_training_and_employment/prisoner-employment.html |archive-date=20 January 2013 |url-status=dead }} and increased funding to widen the availability of alcohol and drug treatment programmes. Corrections built three new Drug Treatment Units and introducing condensed treatment programmes for prisoners serving shorter sentences.{{sfn|Department of Corrections|2009|p=2}} Collins oversaw completion of a new prison in Mount Eden, Auckland, and instigated the private management contract for the new prison to British company Serco, on the recommendation of the Department of Corrections. This was the first prison since 2005 to be managed by a private sector contractor.{{cite press release |url=http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/mt-edenacrp-contract-manager-announced |title=Mt Eden/ACRP contract manager announced |publisher=New Zealand government |date=14 December 2010 |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-date=6 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506155213/http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/mt-edenacrp-contract-manager-announced |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |url=http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-opens-new-mt-eden-corrections-facility |title=Minister opens new Mt Eden Corrections Facility |publisher=New Zealand government |date=30 March 2011 |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-date=20 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320053716/http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/minister-opens-new-mt-eden-corrections-facility |url-status=live }}

In June 2010, Collins announced that from 1 July 2011{{cite press release | title=Prisoner smoking ban set for 1 July 2011 |url= http://www.corrections.govt.nz/news-and-publications/media-releases/2010-media-releases/prisoner_smoking_ban_set_for_1_july_2011.html | publisher=Department of Corrections | date=28 June 2010 | access-date=16 June 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210222315/http://corrections.govt.nz/news-and-publications/media-releases/2010-media-releases/prisoner_smoking_ban_set_for_1_july_2011.html | archive-date=10 February 2013 | df=dmy-all }} tobacco smoking and possessing lighters in prison would be banned, to reduce the health risk that smoking and fire presented to prison guards and prisoners.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10655022 |title=Prison smoking ban to kick in next July |first=Michael |last=Dickison |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=28 June 2010 |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=30 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530160406/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10655022 |url-status=live }} This ban was subsequently successfully challenged in court on two occasions, resulting in a law change to maintain it.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10855888|title=Prison smokes ban ruled unlawful|first=Andrew|last=Koubaridis|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 December 2012|access-date=1 January 2013|archive-date=2 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130102072834/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10855888|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10894606|title=Tobacco victory goes up in a puff of smoke|work=The New Zealand Herald |date=4 July 2013|access-date=14 July 2013|archive-date=16 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716234117/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10894606|url-status=live}}

Following a police trial of tasers in 2006–07, Collins supported their introduction by then Police Commissioner Howard Broad.{{cite news|last=Houlahan|first=Mike|title=No halt to Taser roll-out|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/2428249/No-halt-to-Taser-roll-out|access-date=4 May 2013|newspaper=Stuff |date=21 May 2009|archive-date=4 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404195031/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/2428249/No-halt-to-Taser-roll-out|url-status=live}} In the 2009 budget she announced NZ$10 million worth of funding to complete a nationwide taser roll-out to all police districts,{{cite press release|title=Budget 2009: Judith Collins – $10 million to complete national taser roll out|url=http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-2009-judith-collins-10-million-complete-national-taser-roll-out|publisher=beehive.govt.nz|access-date=4 May 2013|archive-date=16 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216210312/http://beehive.govt.nz/release/budget-2009-judith-collins-10-million-complete-national-taser-roll-out|url-status=live}} and since then has advocated that the police be given further discretion about when they can equip themselves with tasers.{{cite news|last=Cheng|first=Derek|title=Collins calls for police discretion in taser use|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10717564|access-date=4 May 2013|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=7 April 2011|archive-date=30 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430174414/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10717564|url-status=live}} She has also supported increased access to firearms for frontline officers, by equipping all front-line police vehicles with lock boxes for firearms, but does not support the full-time general arming of police officers.{{cite news|last=Martin Kay|first=Andrea Vance|title=Easier gun access likely for police|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/4230433/Easier-gun-access-likely-for-police|access-date=4 May 2013|newspaper=The Press|date=14 October 2010|archive-date=13 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113132937/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/4230433/Easier-gun-access-likely-for-police|url-status=live}}

During her early years in parliament, Collins developed a reputation for tough talking and in 2009 was nicknamed "Crusher Collins" when she proposed legislation to 'crush' the cars of persistent boy racers.{{cite news | last=Kay | first=Martin | title='Crusher Collins' vows to take no prisoners | url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/1752500/Crusher-Collins-vows-to-take-no-prisoners | newspaper=The Dominion Post | date=2 March 2009 | access-date=24 April 2012 | archive-date=9 December 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123715/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/1752500/Crusher-Collins-vows-to-take-no-prisoners | url-status=live }} Collins described herself as the minister "who brought back deterrence".{{cite news |first= Claire |last= Trevett |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10843203 |title= Crusher Collins' eye on reform |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date= 27 October 2012 |access-date= 8 January 2013 |archive-date= 2 November 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121102151524/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10843203 |url-status= live }}{{cite news |first= Anna |last= Leask |url= http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10839995 |title= Call to close three-strikes loophole |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date= 12 October 2012 |access-date= 8 January 2013 |archive-date= 15 November 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121115084454/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10839995 |url-status= live }}{{sfn|Department of Corrections|2001|p=10}}

In 2012, Collins moderated the cuts-back to legal aid begun by her predecessor, Simon Power. She reduced the charges for family and civil cases, delayed the period before interest is charged on outstanding legal aid debt and dropped a proposal to make it harder to get legal aid for less serious crimes such as theft, assault or careless driving.{{cite news |title=Legal aid law changes watered down |first=Isaac |last=Davison |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10839374 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=9 October 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-date=15 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115073544/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10839374 |url-status=live }} She did however retain fixed fees for criminal work and the rotation of the legal aid to lawyers in all but the most serious cases, which attracted criticism from some lawyers.{{cite news |title=Legal aid changes inefficient |first=Sally |last=Kidson |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/4664118/Legal-aid-changes-inefficient |newspaper=The Nelson Mail |date=16 February 2011 |access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-date=18 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218210530/http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/4664118/Legal-aid-changes-inefficient |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Legal aid in New Zealand}}

After a two-year investigation the Law Commission produced a report for government with 153 recommendations to reform New Zealand's alcohol laws. While some legislative changes were passed in December 2012, the Opposition and health sector lobbyists said the evidence-based advice from the Commission was disregarded by Collins and her predecessor Simon Power with the result that the final legislation "was a pale imitation of the landmark Law Commission report it was based on."{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10853482 |title=Alcohol reforms 'watered down' |first=Isaac |last=Davison |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 December 2012 |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=16 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116052604/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10853482 |url-status=live }} Examples include Collins originally announcing a ban in May 2012 of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages with 6 per cent alcohol or more from off-licenses. However, in the face of criticism from the liquor industry, she back-tracked on this ban, and three months later announced that the industry would develop its own voluntary code "to limit the harm to young people caused by RTDs".{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7532048/6-alcohol-limit-for-RTDs-dumped |title=6% alcohol limit for RTDs dumped |first=John |last=Hartevelt |newspaper=The Press |date=23 August 2012 |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=25 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025041902/http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/7532048/6-alcohol-limit-for-RTDs-dumped |url-status=live }} The Commission also recommended a 50 per cent tax increase on alcohol (which was dismissed immediately by the Government) and an increase in the purchase age, which was also dismissed after a conscience vote in September 2012. Collins herself voted to raise the purchase age.{{cite news |url=http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbpol/20120830-how-they-voted-drinking-age |title=Drinking age: How MPs voted |author=Newstalk ZB staff |newspaper=Newstalk ZB |date=30 August 2012 |access-date=7 January 2013 |archive-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125071059/http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbpol/20120830-how-they-voted-drinking-age |url-status=dead }} Overall Collins said "the reforms struck a sensible balance by reducing the serious harm caused by alcohol without penalising people who drank responsibly." The Labour Party and Professor Doug Sellman said that the changes were weak and would do little to reduce the harm caused by binge drinking. Sellman said: "It's called the Alcohol Reform Bill but it has no reforms in it".{{cite news |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/hollow-alcohol-reform-bill-criticised-opponents-5282665 |title='Hollow' Alcohol Reform Bill criticised by opponents |newspaper=One News |date=12 December 2012 |access-date=3 January 2013 |archive-date=13 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213162925/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/hollow-alcohol-reform-bill-criticised-opponents-5282665 |url-status=dead }}

In December 2012, Collins revealed she had concerns about the robustness of a report authored by retired Canadian Supreme Court judge Ian Binnie, which recommended that David Bain should be paid compensation for the 13 years he spent in prison before being acquitted at retrial in 2009.{{cite news |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Bain-report-lacked-robustness---Collins/tabid/1607/articleID/279972/Default.aspx |agency=NZN |newspaper=3 News |title=Bain report lacked robustness – Collins |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005074841/http://www.3news.co.nz/Bain-report-lacked-robustness---Collins/tabid/1607/articleID/279972/Default.aspx |archive-date=5 October 2013 |url-status=dead }} The report had been presented to Collins on 31 August 2012, but the dispute only became public after Binnie threatened to release the report on his own.{{cite news|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893241|title = Bain case: How compensation claim unravelled|date = 27 June 2013|newspaper =The New Zealand Herald |access-date = 10 July 2013|archive-date = 11 July 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130711000656/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893241|url-status = live}} Collins had provided a copy of the report to the police and the Solicitor-General and ordered a peer review by former New Zealand High Court judge Robert Fisher, sending a "34-point list of issues attacking the case" along with her letter of instruction.{{Cite news|url = http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893699|title = Collins sent 34 'concerns' to reviewer of Bain case|date = 29 June 2013|newspaper = The New Zealand Herald|access-date = 10 July 2013|archive-date = 11 July 2013|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130711212456/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10893699|url-status = live}} She did not provide a copy of Binnie's report to Bain's legal team. This fact, combined with the circumstances around the peer review by Fisher, led to accusations from Bain's team and from Justice Binnie that Collins was not following an "even handed process".{{cite news |title=Binnie hits back at Bain report critics |agency=APNZ |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/david-bain-case/news/article.cfm?c_id=1500919&objectid=10853509 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 December 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005002811/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/david-bain-case/news/article.cfm?c_id=1500919&objectid=10853509 |url-status=live }} Collins subsequently released the reports publicly.{{cite web |url=http://www.justice.govt.nz/media/in-focus/topic-library/David-Bain-reports |author=Department of Justice |title=Release of Bain reports |access-date=2 June 2013 |archive-date=29 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130529202344/http://justice.govt.nz/media/in-focus/topic-library/David-Bain-reports |url-status=live }} A month later, Bain filed a claim in the High Court seeking a review of Collins's actions. The claim alleged Collins breached natural justice and the Bill of Rights Act in her treatment of him and that she "acted in bad faith, abused her power, and acted in a biased, unreasonable and predetermined manner".{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10862368|title=Bain takes High Court action against Collins|access-date=16 June 2013|date=30 January 2013|first=Rebecca|last=Quilliam|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|archive-date=27 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627113554/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10862368|url-status=live}}

In August 2011, a significant privacy breach occurred at the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) following the accidental release of 6700 claimants' details to ACC claimant, Bronwyn Pullar.{{cite news |title=Who is Bronwyn Pullar? |url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Who-is-Bronwyn-Pullar/tabid/1607/articleID/247718/Default.aspx |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703155006/http://www.3news.co.nz/Who-is-Bronwyn-Pullar/tabid/1607/articleID/247718/Default.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2013 |work=3 News |date=22 March 2012 |access-date=26 May 2012 }} Following the breach, Collins wanted a change in the culture at ACC to make "privacy and information security" the most important focus. As part of these changes the board chair, John Judge, did not have his tenure on the board renewed,{{cite news |title=ACC Board chair John Judge goes |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7086123/ACC-Board-chair-John-Judge-goes |newspaper=The Dominion Post |date=12 June 2012 |access-date=26 May 2013 |first=Andrea |last=Vance |archive-date=19 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819181226/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/7086123/ACC-Board-chair-John-Judge-goes |url-status=live }} and the chief executive Ralph Stewart resigned the next day.{{cite news |title=ACC boss resigns amid political pressure |first=John |last=Hartevelt |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/7091963/ACC-boss-resigns-amid-political-pressure |newspaper=The Dominion Post |date=13 June 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-date=18 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618090133/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/politics/7091963/ACC-boss-resigns-amid-political-pressure |url-status=live }} In May 2012, Collins sued Labour MPs Trevor Mallard and Andrew Little for defamation over comments they made on Radio New Zealand linking her to the leak of an e-mail from Michelle Boag about Pullar's case.{{cite news | url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Mallard-served-papers-by-faux-constituent/tabid/1607/articleID/255817/Default.aspx | title= Mallard served papers by faux-constituent | date= 28 May 2012 | work= 3 News | access-date= 30 December 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140419013857/http://www.3news.co.nz/Mallard-served-papers-by-faux-constituent/tabid/1607/articleID/255817/Default.aspx | archive-date= 19 April 2014 | url-status= dead | df= dmy-all }} The case was settled after a High Court hearing in November 2012.{{cite news |title=Judith Collins defamation case settled |first=Adam |last=Bennett |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10847321 |newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 November 2012 |access-date=30 December 2012 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125064611/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10847321 |url-status=live }}

In March 2014, Collins was accused of a conflict of interest after an overseas trip where she 'dropped in' and endorsed the milk produced by Oravida – a New Zealand company which exports to China – of which her husband is a director. After being admonished by the Prime Minister, Collins apologised and stated that she and a Chinese executive were 'very close personal friends'.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11219680|title=Collins dinner great for Oravida|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|date=14 March 2014|first=Christopher|last=Adams|access-date=14 March 2014|archive-date=14 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314235129/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11219680|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11218604|title=Two strikes and Collins will be out|first=Adam|last=Bennett|date=13 March 2014|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=14 March 2014|archive-date=14 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314235718/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11218604|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11218315|title=Collins handled situation 'very poorly' – PM|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald|author1=Claire Trevett|author2=Adam Bennett|author3=Isaac Davison|access-date=14 March 2014|archive-date=15 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315011440/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11218315|url-status=live}} Over the following weeks the Labour Party continued asking who the Chinese official was. Collins did not provide his name, which House speaker David Carter described as "very unsatisfactory".[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11236079 Collins' defiance over Oravida upsets Speaker] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415011404/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11236079 |date=15 April 2014 }}, NZ Herald, 11 April 2014 Prime Minister John Key stated publicly that Judith Collins was on her final warning over this incident.[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9818950/Judith-Collins-comes-clean-about-dinner Judith Collins comes clean about dinner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112215225/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9818950/Judith-Collins-comes-clean-about-dinner |date=12 November 2014 }}. Stuff.co.nz. 12 March 2014.

In August 2014 the book Dirty Politics, written by Nicky Hager, revealed that Collins was friends with right-wing blogger Cameron Slater and had passed on private information to him about Simon Pleasants, a public servant at Internal Affairs. Collins believed Pleasants had leaked information about Deputy Prime Minister Bill English misusing his housing allowance. Slater published Mr Pleasant's name and details on his blog as well as the abuse and death threats that were subsequently directed at Mr Pleasants.{{cite news|title=Key, English distance themselves from Collins|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/252479/key,-english-distance-themselves-from-collins|access-date=20 August 2014|agency=Radio New Zealand |date=19 August 2014|archive-date=21 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821084427/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/252479/key,-english-distance-themselves-from-collins|url-status=live}} A 3News-Reid Research poll taken at the time revealed that 63% of voters believed Prime Minister John Key should have stood Collins down over this incident.[http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/3news-reid-research-poll-sees-big-post-hager-bounce-conservatives-ck-161482 3News-Reid Research poll sees big post-Hager bounce for Conservatives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830041547/http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/3news-reid-research-poll-sees-big-post-hager-bounce-conservatives-ck-161482 |date=30 August 2014 }}. The National Business Review. 27 August 2014. Key said Collins had been 'unwise' and placed on her second final warning.[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11311364 PM's 'last chance' for Collins over blog link] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115554/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11311364 |date=26 August 2014 }}. The New Zealand Herald. 20 August 2014.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters claimed he was approached to do a post–2014 election deal with National with Collins as the leader. Peters went on to say he would swear an affidavit that he had been approached. Collins denied this claim. On 29 August 2014 Key backed Collins up by stating "I accept Judith 100 per cent at her word."{{cite news |title=Peters, Key squabble over Collins 'coup attempt' |first=Aimee |last=Gulliver |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10437549/Peters-Key-squabble-over-Collins-coup-attempt |work=Stuff |date=29 August 2015 |access-date=10 November 2015 |archive-date=12 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412003554/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/10437549/Peters-Key-squabble-over-Collins-coup-attempt |url-status=live }}

On 30 August 2014 Collins resigned her Cabinet positions following the leak of another e-mail written by Slater in 2011, which suggested she had also attempted to undermine another public servant, Adam Feeley. Feeley was Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and Collins was the Minister responsible for the SFO at the time. Collins says she resigned because she believed the attacks on her had become a distraction for the National Party leading up to the election. She called for an inquiry so she could clear her name.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11316644|title=Judith Collins resigns|date=30 August 2014|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |first=Derek|last=Cheng|access-date=30 August 2014|archive-date=31 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831103407/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11316644|url-status=live}}

After the 2014 election, John Key left Collins off the "Roll of the Honourables" due to the ongoing inquiry into her role with Adam Feeley. This made her ineligible to use the title 'The Honourable'.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11342322|title=Judith Collins loses 'Honourable' title|date=14 October 2014|author1=Adam Bennett|author2=Claire Trevett|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |access-date=16 October 2014|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014154335/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11342322|url-status=live}} Collins expressed surprise about having found out about the decision through the media,{{cite news|last1=Bennett|first1=Adam|last2=Trevett|first2=Claire|title=Judith Collins loses 'Honourable' title|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11342322|access-date=17 October 2014|date=14 October 2014|archive-date=14 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014154335/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11342322|url-status=live}} and Key admitted that his decision should have been explained to Collins.{{cite news|title=John Key: We should have explained Honourable decision to Judith Collins|url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/john-key-we-should-have-explained-honourable-decision-judith-collins-6107274|access-date=17 October 2014|work=One News|date=15 October 2014|archive-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205181531/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/john-key-we-should-have-explained-honourable-decision-judith-collins-6107274|url-status=live}}

On 25 November 2014 the Chisholm report was released, clearing Collins of the allegations into her dealings with former SFO director Adam Feeley,{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63508530/Judith-Collins-cleared-of-involvement-in-SFO-smear-campaign|title=Judith Collins cleared of involvement in SFO smear campaign|date=25 November 2014|author1=Stacy Kirk|author2=James Ireland|work=Stuff |access-date=3 December 2014|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153845/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/63508530/Judith-Collins-cleared-of-involvement-in-SFO-smear-campaign|url-status=live}} so on 4 December 2014 Collins was granted the right to retain the title of 'The Honourable' for life.[https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2014-vr7450 "Retention of the Title ‘The Honourable’"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221101225/https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2014-vr7450 |date=21 December 2014 }} (4 December 2014) 127 New Zealand Gazette 1 at 65.

Collins was cleared of involvement in the Adam Feeley smear. On 7 December 2015, Key announced Collins would return to Cabinet, to hold her former portfolios of Corrections and Police again. She was sworn in again on 14 December 2015.

{{Main|2016 New Zealand National Party leadership election}}

File:Judith Collins 3by2.png

John Key announced his resignation as leader of the National Party on 5 December 2016. The following day, Collins announced her intention to stand as his replacement, which would have elevated her to the prime ministership.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11761442|title=Judith Collins announces tilt at PM role|work=The New Zealand Herald|date=6 December 2016|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=6 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206235959/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11761442|url-status=live}} The other candidates were Bill English and Jonathan Coleman. On 8 December, both Collins and Coleman withdrew as candidates, allowing English to be elected unopposed.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11763085|title=Bill English will be next Prime Minister, Judith Collins, Jonathan Coleman stand aside|work=New Zealand Herald |date=8 December 2016|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208011710/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11763085|url-status=live}}

On 20 December 2016, she was officially sworn in as a minister with new portfolios in the new Bill English cabinet. She dropped in cabinet rank but was made Minister of Revenue, Minister of Energy and Resources, and Minister for Ethnic Communities. The corrections and police portfolios were given to Louise Upston and Paula Bennett, respectively.

{{Main|2018 New Zealand National Party leadership election}}

Bill English announced his resignation as leader of the National Party on 13 February 2018. The following day, Collins became the first person to announce their intention to stand as his replacement; she was later joined by Amy Adams and Simon Bridges. She cited the need for "strong and decisive leadership".{{cite news|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/02/simon-bridges-hints-at-national-leadership-bid.html|title=Judith Collins, Simon Bridges, Amy Adams gunning for leader|work=Newshub|date=14 February 2018|access-date=18 February 2018|archive-date=18 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218105904/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/02/simon-bridges-hints-at-national-leadership-bid.html|url-status=dead}} Collins was endorsed by former National leader Don Brash,{{cite news |title=Don Brash on why Judith Collins is best placed to take on Jacinda Ardern; Michelle Boag on how the party's leadership change will be 'tidy'; and David Farrar on how National's new leader will create its brand |url=https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/92125/don-brash-why-judith-collins-best-placed-take-jacinda-ardern%C2%A0michelle-boag-how-partys |first=Jenée |last=Tibshraeny |work=interest.co.nz |date=14 February 2018 |access-date=31 May 2018 |archive-date=20 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320012419/https://www.interest.co.nz/opinion/92125/don-brash-why-judith-collins-best-placed-take-jacinda-ardern%C2%A0michelle-boag-how-partys |url-status=live }} and political commentators Duncan Garner,{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/101512975/duncan-garner-want-the-nuclear-option-pick-crusher |title=Duncan Garner: National, want the nuclear option? Pick Judith 'Crusher' Collins |work=Stuff.co.nz |publisher=Fairfax Media Limited |date=17 February 2018 |access-date=17 February 2018 |archive-date=17 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217143448/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/opinion/101512975/duncan-garner-want-the-nuclear-option-pick-crusher |url-status=live }} Mike Hosking,{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11994057 |title=Why Judith Collins should be National's next leader |first=Mike |last=Hosking |author-link=Mike Hosking |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=14 February 2018 |access-date=15 February 2018 |archive-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214223947/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11994057 |url-status=live }} Cameron Slater,{{cite news |url=https://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2018/02/crushin-it/ |title=Crushin' it |first=Cameron |last=Slater |author-link=Cameron Slater |publisher=Whale Oil |date=15 February 2018 |access-date=15 February 2018 |archive-date=14 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214231108/https://www.whaleoil.co.nz/2018/02/crushin-it/ |url-status=live }} and Chris Trotter.{{cite news |url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/02/judith-collins-heir-to-national-party-throne-chris-trotter-trish-sherson.html |title=Judith Collins heir to National Party throne – Chris Trotter, Trish Sherson |work=Newshub |publisher=MediaWorks New Zealand |date=14 February 2018 |access-date=15 February 2018 |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216210507/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/02/judith-collins-heir-to-national-party-throne-chris-trotter-trish-sherson.html |url-status=dead }} Hosking later retracted his endorsement when Steven Joyce announced his candidacy.{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11997966 |title=No contest – Steven Joyce should be National's next leader |first=Mike |last=Hosking |author-link=Mike Hosking |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 February 2018 |access-date=20 February 2018 |archive-date=19 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219214540/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11997966 |url-status=live }} Bridges went on to win the leadership role.

In late May 2018, Collins, in her capacity as Opposition Transport spokesperson, raised the matter that Transport Minister Phil Twyford had made an unauthorised phone call while his flight had taken off; a violation of national civil aviation laws. In response, Twyford offered to resign as Transport Minister. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stripped Twyford of his civil aviation portfolio but retained him as Transport Minister.{{cite news|last1=Satherley|first1=Dan|title=Judith Collins' role in bringing down Phil Twyford|url=http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/05/judith-collins-role-in-bringing-down-phil-twyford.html|access-date=24 May 2018|publisher=Newshub|date=25 May 2018|archive-date=25 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525132624/http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2018/05/judith-collins-role-in-bringing-down-phil-twyford.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|last1=Watkins|first1=Tracy|last2=Moir|first2=Jo|title=Minister Phil Twyford apologises for Civil Aviation breach|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104196693/minister-phil-twyford-apologises-for-civil-aviation-breach|access-date=24 May 2018|work=Stuff |date=24 May 2018|archive-date=25 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180525132743/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/104196693/minister-phil-twyford-apologises-for-civil-aviation-breach|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Bennett|first1=Lucy|title=Grounded: Phil Twyford offers to resign, stripped of role after phone call on plane|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12058025|access-date=24 May 2018|newspaper=New Zealand Herald|date=24 May 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524212819/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12058025|url-status=live}}

{{Main|July 2020 New Zealand National Party leadership election}}

On 14 July 2020, Collins was elected as leader of the National Party following a leadership election held following the abrupt resignation of Todd Muller earlier that day. Gerry Brownlee was also elected as Deputy Leader of the National Party.{{cite news |last1=Whyte |first1=Anna |title=Judith Collins new National Party leader, Gerry Brownlee deputy |url=https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/judith-collins-new-national-party-leader-1-news-understands |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=1News |date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714100623/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/judith-collins-new-national-party-leader-1-news-understands |archive-date=14 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Walls |first1=Jason |title=Judith Collins is new National Party leader, Gerry Brownlee her deputy |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12348051 |access-date=14 July 2020 |work=New Zealand Herald |date=14 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714101059/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12348051 |archive-date=14 July 2020}}

She became the second female leader of the National Party.

Collins faced criticism during her campaign for being out of touch with common New Zealanders after she severely underestimated the price of a block of cheese after being asked how much it cost during an interview.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/watch-national-leader-judith-collins-shocks-the-project-host-with-claim-1kg-block-of-cheese-costs-5.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715224706/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/watch-national-leader-judith-collins-shocks-the-project-host-with-claim-1kg-block-of-cheese-costs-5.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 July 2020|title = Watch: National Leader Judith Collins shocks the Project host with claim 1kg block of cheese costs $5|newspaper =Newshub }}

Collins led the party to the 2020 election as significant underdogs, with opinion polls suggesting historically large swings to the Labour Party, reflecting its well-received response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Collins, although more popular than her predecessors Todd Muller and Simon Bridges, still significantly lagged behind Jacinda Ardern as preferred prime minister by 30 to 40 points.

Ultimately, the 2020 election saw a massive Labour landslide, with the party winning 65 seats, enough to form a majority government in its own right. Meanwhile, Collins led the National Party to a crushing defeat, suffering a 18.9% swing against them, and a 23 seat drop; finishing with 33 seats. The result was the second-worst defeat the National Party had ever suffered, edged out by the 2002 disaster, where the party won an even grimmer number of 27 seats.{{Cite web|date=17 October 2020|title=2020 General Election and Referendums – Preliminary Count|url=https://electionresults.govt.nz/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114132756/https://electionresults.govt.nz/index.html|archive-date=14 January 2020|access-date=17 October 2020|website=NZ Votes}} The election even saw the party's Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee lose his own seat of Ilam, which was considered National heartland.{{Cite web|date=17 October 2020|title=Ilam – Preliminary Count|url=https://electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-details-15.html|url-status=live|website=NZ Votes|access-date=17 October 2020|archive-date=24 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924044752/http://electionresults.govt.nz/electorate-details-15.html}}

With the result beyond doubt, a near-tearful Collins announced on election night that she had telephoned Ardern and conceded defeat, but vowed that the party would bounce back stronger in the next election.{{Cite news|last=McKay|first=Ben|date=17 October 2020|title=Collins concedes in NZ, vows Nats comeback|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6973128/collins-concedes-in-nz-vows-nats-comeback/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020191028/https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6973128/collins-concedes-in-nz-vows-nats-comeback/|archive-date=20 October 2020|access-date=17 October 2020|work=The Canberra Times}} Despite these setbacks, Collins retained her electorate seat in Papakura by a final margin of 5,583 votes.{{cite web |title=Papakura – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-38.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=12 November 2020 }}

In early February 2021, Collins confirmed that the National Party would be standing candidates in the Māori electorates, reversing the party's policy of not contesting those seats.{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Judith Collins confirms National will run candidates in Māori seats next election |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300218936/judith-collins-confirms-national-will-run-candidates-in-mori-seats-next-election |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=Stuff |date=1 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218035348/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300218936/judith-collins-confirms-national-will-run-candidates-in-mori-seats-next-election |archive-date=18 February 2021|url-status=live}} As Leader of the Opposition, Collins has opposed alleged policies of "racist separatism" towards the Māori community including race-based affirmative action policies and the creation of separate Māori governance authorities including the Māori Health Authority and the introduction of Māori wards and constituencies in local government. Collins's stance on these issues drew accusations of racism from the Māori Party, which Collins rejected.{{cite news |title=Collins says her party won't stand for 'racist separatism' New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/441350/collins-says-her-party-won-t-stand-for-racist-separatism-new-zealand |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521092256/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/441350/collins-says-her-party-won-t-stand-for-racist-separatism-new-zealand |archive-date=21 May 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Robinson |first1=Claire |title=Judith Collins' comments on Māori health policy are a diversion |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/judith-collins-comments-on-maori-health-policy-are-a-diversion |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=6 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517103311/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/06/judith-collins-comments-on-maori-health-policy-are-a-diversion |archive-date=17 May 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=National leader Judith Collins not backing down from co-governance debate in face of Māori Party protests |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national-leader-judith-collins-not-backing-down-from-co-governance-debate-in-face-of-m-ori-party-protests.html |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=Newshub |date=12 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526082245/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national-leader-judith-collins-not-backing-down-from-co-governance-debate-in-face-of-m-ori-party-protests.html |archive-date=26 May 2021|url-status=dead}}

In mid-June 2021, Collins supported the Labour Government's apology for the Dawn Raids of the 1970s and early 1980s, which disproportionately targeted the Pasifika communities. She stated that "this historic act of discrimination against our Pasifika communities caused anguish that reverberated across decades and it is right that we acknowledge this."{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |last2=Basagre |first2=Bernadette |title=Government to formally apologise for race-based dawn raids |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300332534/government-to-formally-apologise-for-racebased-dawn-raids |access-date=14 June 2021 |work=Stuff |date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614094237/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300332534/government-to-formally-apologise-for-racebased-dawn-raids |archive-date=14 June 2021|url-status=live}}

In early September 2021, Collins drew controversy when she described immunologist and science communicator Siouxsie Wiles as a "big, fat hypocrite" during a virtual conversation with a Pasifika group aligned with the party. Collins's remarks came after right-wing blogger Cameron Slater posted a video of Wiles socialising with a friend at an Auckland beach during an Alert Level 4 lockdown in the Auckland Region in response to the August 2021 Delta variant community outbreak. Slater had alleged that Wiles and her friend flouted lockdown restrictions in his blog BFD. In response, Wiles clarified that her friend was part of the same bubble as her and that the pair had cycled 5 km from her house to the beach.{{cite news |last1=Neilson |first1=Michael |title=Covid 19 coronavirus Delta outbreak: Dr Siouxsie Wiles hits back at accusations she broke lockdown rules |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-delta-outbreak-dr-siouxsie-wiles-hits-back-at-accusations-she-broke-lockdown-rules/2T7OGKYA3X3IPTRZX45DVJTWQU/ |access-date=10 September 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910124827/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/covid-19-coronavirus-delta-outbreak-dr-siouxsie-wiles-hits-back-at-accusations-she-broke-lockdown-rules/2T7OGKYA3X3IPTRZX45DVJTWQU/|archive-date=10 September 2021}}{{cite news |title=Collins calls Dr Siouxsie Wiles 'a big, fat hypocrite' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/collins-calls-dr-siouxsie-wiles-big-fat-hypocrite |access-date=10 September 2021 |work=Otago Daily Times |date=10 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210910125530/https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/collins-calls-dr-siouxsie-wiles-big-fat-hypocrite |archive-date=10 September 2021}} In response to Collins's criticism of Wiles, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield defended Wiles from allegations that she breached lockdown restrictions.{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=Ashley Bloomfield defends Siouxsie Wiles' maskless beach visit as Judith Collins labels her 'hypocrite' |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/09/ashley-bloomfield-defends-siouxsie-wiles-maskless-beach-visit-as-judith-collins-labels-her-hypocrite.html |access-date=10 September 2021 |work=Newshub |date=10 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008203800/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/09/ashley-bloomfield-defends-siouxsie-wiles-maskless-beach-visit-as-judith-collins-labels-her-hypocrite.html|archive-date=8 October 2021|url-status=dead}}

Collins was removed as leader of the National Party on 25 November 2021 following a caucus vote of no confidence, which took place the day after she sacked rival Simon Bridges over a crude comment he made to fellow MP Jacqui Dean five years prior. The incident had been quickly resolved, with no hard feelings afterwards from either party. Therefore, both National MPs and the media saw Collins's action as being to neutralise Bridges as an opponent by smearing him.{{Cite web|date=26 November 2021|title=The era of Judith 'Crusher' Collins ends in a blaze of fury|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/27/the-era-of-judith-crusher-collins-ends-in-a-blaze-of-fury|access-date=27 November 2021|website=The Guardian |language=en}} Shane Reti was acting leader until the subsequent leadership election on 30 November, when Christopher Luxon was elected party leader.{{Cite web|title=National Party leadership: Chris Luxon elected leader, Nicola Willis deputy|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-party-leadership-chris-luxon-elected-leader-nicola-willis-deputy/Z4ETVUBOVGBNPZXUTGC5CWLF3U/|access-date=1 December 2021|website=The New Zealand Herald |date=30 November 2021 |language=en-NZ}}{{cite news |last1=Ensor |first1=Jamie |title=National leadership crisis live: Shane Reti new temporary boss, leadership to be decided Tuesday |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/11/simon-bridges-demotion-national-party-mps-urgently-meet-following-judith-collins-bombshell-announcement.html |access-date=25 November 2021 |work=Newshub |date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125030417/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/11/simon-bridges-demotion-national-party-mps-urgently-meet-following-judith-collins-bombshell-announcement.html |archive-date=25 November 2021|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=National leadership: Judith Collins dumped; Shane Reti interim leader; Mark Mitchell, Christopher Luxon likely candidates |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-leadership-judith-collins-dumped-shane-reti-interim-leader-mark-mitchell-christopher-luxon-likely-candidates/BXZTT6W3TWI7FBWUNT3ZX23PBA/ |access-date=25 November 2021 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125105305/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/national-leadership-judith-collins-dumped-shane-reti-interim-leader-mark-mitchell-christopher-luxon-likely-candidates/BXZTT6W3TWI7FBWUNT3ZX23PBA/ |archive-date=25 November 2021|url-status=live}}

On 19 January 2023, Collins was promoted from 19th to 10th place on Luxon's shadow cabinet. She also assumed the new roles of "Foreign Direct Investment" and "Digitising Government" spokesperson.{{Cite news |title=National reshuffle: Luxon promotes former leaders Judith Collins, Todd Muller |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-bishop-judith-collins-and-todd-muller-winners-in-national-reshuffle/GSJOIE4DVNDA5CSUFBUZI6RK6U/ |date=19 January 2023 |access-date=19 January 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119081812/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/chris-bishop-judith-collins-and-todd-muller-winners-in-national-reshuffle/GSJOIE4DVNDA5CSUFBUZI6RK6U/|archive-date=19 January 2023|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |author=New Zealand National Party |date=19 January 2023 |title=Luxon Sets Out Team To Contest The 2023 Election |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2301/S00035/luxon-sets-out-team-to-contest-the-2023-election.htm |access-date=19 January 2023 |website=Scoop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119020112/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2301/S00035/luxon-sets-out-team-to-contest-the-2023-election.htm|archive-date=19 January 2023|url-status=live}}

File:Marsden Fund 30th anniversary 48.jpg]]

In the 2023 election held on 14 October, Collins retained her Papakura electorate seat by a margin of 13,519 votes over Labour candidate Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki.{{cite web |title=Papakura – Official Result |url=https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-38.html |publisher=Electoral Commission |access-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123104123/https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-38.html |archive-date=23 November 2023 |date=3 November 2023 |url-status=live}}

On 27 November 2023, Collins assumed seven ministerial portfolios in the National-led coalition government, namely: Attorney-General, Minister of Defence, Minister for Digitising Government, Minister Responsible for the GCSB, Minister Responsible for the NZSIS, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, and Minister for Space.{{cite news |title=Cabinet lineup for new government unveiled – who gets what? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503156/cabinet-lineup-for-new-government-unveiled-who-gets-what |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=24 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204122806/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/503156/cabinet-lineup-for-new-government-unveiled-who-gets-what |archive-date=4 December 2023|url-status=live}} Collins is the first woman to serve as Defence minister. She holds the largest number of portfolios among ministers in the government.{{cite web |last1=Desmarais |first1=Felix |title=Judith Collins on her 'dream job' and whether she'll visit space |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/28/judith-collins-on-her-dream-job-and-whether-shell-visit-space/ |website=1News |access-date=27 February 2024 |language=en}} On 15 December, Collins was appointed King's Counsel by Christopher Luxon in recognition of "her career achievements and the responsibility she holds on behalf of the Crown".{{cite news |title=Attorney General Judith Collins appointed as King's Counsel |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/attorney-general-judith-collins-appointed-as-king-s-counsel |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Newshub |date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215013202/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/12/attorney-general-judith-collins-appointed-as-king-s-counsel|archive-date=15 December 2023|url-status=dead}}

During a cabinet reshuffle that occurred on 19 January 2025, Collins assumed the public services portfolio from Nicola Willis.{{Cite news |last=Day |first=Tom |date=19 January 2025 |title=Shane Reti out as Health Minister as PM makes major cabinet reshuffle |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/shane-reti-out-as-health-minister-as-pm-makes-major-cabinet-reshuffle/ |access-date=19 January 2025|work=1News |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119113652/https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/19/shane-reti-out-as-health-minister-as-pm-makes-major-cabinet-reshuffle/|archive-date=19 January 2025|url-status=live}} In addition, Shane Reti assumed Collins' science, innovation and technology ministerial portfolio.{{cite news |title=As it happened: Luxon announces Cabinet reshuffle, Shane Reti loses health portfolio to Simeon Brown |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539370/as-it-happened-luxon-announces-cabinet-reshuffle-shane-reti-loses-health-portfolio-to-simeon-brown |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=RNZ |date=19 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119031900/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/539370/as-it-happened-luxon-announces-cabinet-reshuffle-shane-reti-loses-health-portfolio-to-simeon-brown |archive-date=19 January 2025}}

On 8 December 2023 Collins, in her capacity as GCSB Minister, joined New Zealand's Five Eyes allies in condemning the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) for conducting a series of cyber attacks on British politicians, civil servants, journalists, think tanks, academics, and other public figures.{{cite news |title=GCSB Minister Judith Collins condemns Russian cyber attacks |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504205/gcsb-minister-judith-collins-condemns-russian-cyber-attacks |access-date=10 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210102958/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/504205/gcsb-minister-judith-collins-condemns-russian-cyber-attacks |archive-date=10 December 2023}}

On 20 December Collins, in her capacity as Attorney-General, confirmed six judicial appointments: Supreme Court Judge Forrest Miller, Court of Appeal justices Susan Thomas, Rebecca Ellis and Francis Cooke, High Court Chief Judge Sally Fitzgerald, and High Court justice Karen Grau.{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Judith |title=Judicial appointments announced |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/judicial-appointments-announced-0 |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=21 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220093443/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/judicial-appointments-announced-0 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |date=20 December 2023 |url-status=live}}

Collins delivered a keynote address on constitutional and rule of law challenges in the current global environment to Western Sydney University on 29 October 2024. After her presentation she was named an adjunct professor in the university's school of law.{{cite web |date=28 October 2024 |title=Address to Western Sydney University: Constitutional and Rule of Law challenges in current global environment |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/address-western-sydney-university-constitutional-and-rule-law-challenges-current-global |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=The Beehive}}{{cite web |date=25 October 2024 |title=Western Sydney University hosts New Zealand Attorney-General for law lecture |url=https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/newscentre/news_centre/more_news_stories/western_sydney_university_hosts_new_zealand_attorney-general_for_law_lecture |access-date=17 December 2024 |website=Western Sydney University}}

File:Signing of the New Zealand–Philippines Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOFVA) in Manila, 30 April 2025.jpg (VFA) between New Zealand and the Philippines at Malacañang Palace in Manila on 30 April 2025. Philippine President Bongbong Marcos (center) witnessed the signing.]]

On 12 January 2024, Collins expressed New Zealand's support for Anglo-American airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen, which had been disrupting international shipping in response to the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. She called the airstikes a "good example of the international community uniting to address a serious threat to international security" and reaffirmed the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) commitment to supporting international maritime security.{{cite web|url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-support-strikes-against-houthis|website=Beehive.govt.nz|last1=Collins|first1=Judith|last2=Peters|first2=Winston|title=NZ support for strikes against Houthis|date=12 January 2024|access-date=13 January 2024|publisher=New Zealand Government|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114115749/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/nz-support-strikes-against-houthis|archive-date=14 January 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=NZ Govt throws support behind US, UK's strikes in Yemen |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/12/nz-govt-throws-support-behind-us-uks-strikes-in-yemen/ |access-date=15 January 2024 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=12 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112114721/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/01/12/nz-govt-throws-support-behind-us-uks-strikes-in-yemen/ |archive-date=12 January 2024|url-status=live}}

On 22 February 2024, Collins confirmed that the NZDF's European deployment to train Ukrainian soldiers would be extended to June 2025. She also announced that the NZ military deployment's training mandate will be expanded from July 2024 to include specialised training in combat casualty care, combat engineering, leadership, and maritime explosive ordnance disposal training.{{cite news |title=New support for Ukraine |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/new-support-for-ukraine/ |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=New Zealand Defence Force |date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223045516/https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/new-support-for-ukraine/ |archive-date=23 February 2024}}{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Ben |title=Russia-Ukraine war: Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanks New Zealand for new aid |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/russia-ukraine-war-volodymyr-zelenskyy-thanks-new-zealand-for-new-aid/VWAD53C3YVHRDKKVF4I43CDDGU/ |access-date=27 February 2024 |work=The New Zealand Herald |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=23 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223233843/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/russia-ukraine-war-volodymyr-zelenskyy-thanks-new-zealand-for-new-aid/VWAD53C3YVHRDKKVF4I43CDDGU/ |archive-date=23 February 2024}}

In November 2024, Collins invoked Section 9 of the Defence Act 1990 to cancel holiday leave for NZDF personnel in order to cover striking civilian security guards at military installations during the 2024–2025 Christmas and New Year holiday period. Collins' decision was criticised by the lobby group Mission Homefront, who said that the "use of the temporary power undermined the crucial interdependency with civilian staff."{{cite news |title=Military personnel leave cancelled over Christmas to cover strikes |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/12/military-personnel-leave-cancelled-over-christmas-to-cover-strikes/ |access-date=17 December 2024 |work=1 News |date=12 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216024915/https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/12/12/military-personnel-leave-cancelled-over-christmas-to-cover-strikes/ |archive-date=16 December 2024}}

On 7 April 2025, Collins announced that the New Zealand Government would be investing NZ$12 billion (US$5 billion) in the NZDF over the next four years to boost defence spending to over 2 percent of gross domestic product.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Anneke |title=Government unveils $12 billion Defence Capability Plan |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan |access-date=8 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=7 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407083650/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/557432/government-unveils-12-billion-defence-capability-plan |archive-date=7 April 2025}}{{cite news |title=New Zealand to replace navy helicopters over 'global tensions' |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/04/new-zealand-to-replace-navy-helicopters-over-039global-tensions039 |access-date=7 May 2025 |work=The Star |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=4 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504074915/https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/04/new-zealand-to-replace-navy-helicopters-over-039global-tensions039 |archive-date=4 May 2025}} On 6 May, Collins confirmed that the Government would allocate NZ$2 billion (US$1.2 billion) from this defence funding allocation to purchasing new maritime helicopters for the Royal New Zealand Navy.{{cite web |last1=Collins |first1=Judith |title=New helicopters a commitment to global security |url=https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-helicopters-commitment-global-security |website=Beehive.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government |access-date=7 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250504111411/https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-helicopters-commitment-global-security |archive-date=4 May 2025 |date=4 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 30 April 2025, during a visit to Manila, Collins signed a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro. The agreement allows the NZDF to conduct joint military exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in either country. Collins cited the "deteriorating" security environment in the Indo-Pacific as a key reason for the VFA, emphasizing the need to uphold a liberal international order and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in the region.{{cite news |last1=Chi |first1=Cristina |title=Philippines, New Zealand sign visiting forces agreement |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/30/2439523/philippines-new-zealand-sign-visiting-forces-agreement |access-date=30 April 2025 |work=The Philippine Star |date=30 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250430140911/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/30/2439523/philippines-new-zealand-sign-visiting-forces-agreement |archive-date=30 April 2025 |url-status=live}}

During the 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore in early June 2025, Collins expressed support for the second Trump Administration's Golden Dome missile defense system, saying "I don't see it as an attack mechanism. It's a defence mechanism." The New Zealand-founded and California-based Rocket Lab had recently acquired the Arizona company Geost, which is involved in the Golden Dome project.{{cite news |last1=Pennington |first1=Phil |title=Defence Minister Judith Collins endorses Trump's Golden Dome amid contract frenzy |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562790/defence-minister-judith-collins-endorses-trump-s-golden-dome-amid-contract-frenzy |access-date=2 June 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=1 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250601050004/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/562790/defence-minister-judith-collins-endorses-trump-s-golden-dome-amid-contract-frenzy |archive-date=1 June 2025 |url-status=live}}

On 13 August 2024, Collins as the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology announced that the Government would introduce legislation to end the ban on genetic modification and genetic engineering outside laboratories. This new law will be based on Australia's Gene Technology Act 2000. Collins also confirmed that the Government would establish a national regulator to manage the risks associated with genetic modification and engineering.{{cite news |title=Ban on genetic modification and genetic engineering outside lab to end, government announces |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524990/ban-on-genetic-modification-and-genetic-engineering-outside-lab-to-end-government-announces |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=RNZ |date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816020747/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/524990/ban-on-genetic-modification-and-genetic-engineering-outside-lab-to-end-government-announces |archive-date=16 August 2024}}

On 4 December 2024, Collins announced that the Government would end Marsden grants for humanities and social science research in order to focus on "core sciences" like physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and biomedical sciences that would boost economic growth, scientific and technological development.{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Pretoria |title=Government's Marsden Fund cuts: All humanities, social sciences research funding slashed |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535669/government-s-marsden-fund-cuts-all-humanities-social-sciences-research-funding-slashed |access-date=9 December 2024 |work=RNZ |date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204180907/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/535669/government-s-marsden-fund-cuts-all-humanities-social-sciences-research-funding-slashed |archive-date=4 December 2024}}

As Chairperson of the New Zealand Parliament's Privileges Committee, Collins presided over privileges proceedings against three Te Pāti Māori MPs Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, who had disrupted the first reading of the controversial Treaty Principles Bill on 10 December 2024 by staging a haka (ka mate). When the three MPs refused to participate in the privileges committee's hearing, Collins confirmed that the proceedings would go ahead regardless of their cooperation.{{cite news |last1=Hanly |first1=Lillian |title=Privileges Committee hearing to go ahead without Te Pāti Māori MPs |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556962/privileges-committee-hearing-to-go-ahead-without-te-pati-maori-mps |access-date=3 April 2025 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=2 April 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250403043953/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/556962/privileges-committee-hearing-to-go-ahead-without-te-pati-maori-mps |archive-date=3 April 2025}} On 14 May, the Privileges Committee found the three Te Pāti Māori MPs in contempt of Parliament and suspended Maipi-Clarke for seven days and Waititi and Ngarewa-Packer for 21 days. Following the ruling, Collins refused to confirm whether Parliamentary protocol would be updated to accommodate more Tikanga Māori.{{cite news |last1=Burr |first1=Lloyd |title=Te Pati Maori receive 'harshest punishment Privileges Committee's ever handed out' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360689225/te-pati-maori-receive-harshest-punishment-privileges-committees-ever-handed-out |access-date=14 May 2025 |work=Stuff |date=14 May 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250514095014/https://www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360689225/te-pati-maori-receive-harshest-punishment-privileges-committees-ever-handed-out |archive-date=14 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

During a Parliamentary debate held on 20 May to consider the Privileges Committee's sanctions against the three Te Pāti Māori MPs, Collins defended their suspension, describing their conduct as a "serious incident." Her colleague Leader of the House Chris Bishop successfully moved a motion that the suspension debate be delayed until 5 June, allowing the Te Pāti Māori MPs to participate in the upcoming debate around the 2025 New Zealand budget.{{cite news |last1=Gabel |first1=Julia |last2=Pearse |first2=Adam |last3=Ensor |first3=Jamie |title=Debate on Te Pāti Māori haka punishment delayed in shock Government move |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/uncertainty-remains-as-politicians-plan-for-lengthy-debate-over-te-pati-maori-punishment/Z3OE2XWDP5H23G6SSO4AE5BG7A/ |access-date=20 May 2025 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=20 May 2025}}

{{Conservatism New Zealand}}

Collins has been described as a conservative.{{cite news |last1=Graham-McLay |first1=Charlotte |title=Judith Collins named New Zealand National party's new leader |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/judith-collins-named-new-zealand-national-party-new-leader |access-date=21 July 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=14 July 2020 |quote=Judith Collins – a combative, tough-talking conservative lawmaker who styled herself after Margaret Thatcher |archive-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716035507/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/14/judith-collins-named-new-zealand-national-party-new-leader |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Who is the woman who will take on Jacinda Ardern with two months' notice? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-15/nz-opposition-leader-judith-collins-to-take-on-jacinda-ardern/12457042 |publisher=ABC News |access-date=21 July 2020 |language=en-AU |date=15 July 2020 |archive-date=22 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722184147/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-15/nz-opposition-leader-judith-collins-to-take-on-jacinda-ardern/12457042 |url-status=live }} She is seen to represent the right wing of her party, and in her previous roles as Minister of Police and Minister of Corrections, she has promoted law and order policies. Collins has praised former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.{{cite news |last1=Sowman-Lund |first1=Stewart |title=Here comes Judith: What does Collins' book tell us about her leadership pitch? |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2020/here-comes-judith-could-crusher-collins-take-over-the-national-party-leadership/ |access-date=21 July 2020 |work=The Spinoff |date=14 July 2020 |archive-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716221257/https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/14-07-2020/here-comes-judith-could-crusher-collins-take-over-the-national-party-leadership/ |url-status=live }}

In 2003, Collins voted against the Death with Dignity Bill, which aimed to legalise euthanasia in New Zealand,{{cite web |url= http://votes.wotfun.com/bill/3 |title= Death With Dignity Bill – New Zealand Parliamentary Conscience Votes Database |publisher= Votes.wotfun.com |access-date= 14 May 2016 |archive-date= 11 June 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160611010003/http://votes.wotfun.com/bill/3 |url-status= live }} but in 2020 voted in support of the End of Life Choice Bill to legalise assisted dying.

Collins has a mixed record on LGBT issues. In 2004, she voted against the Civil Union Act 2004 and the Relationships (Statutory References) Act 2004, stating not because of any sort of homophobic views but because it created a parallel form of marriage. In Parliament she stated, "This Bill is a sop to gay couples, in which they are being told that they can have second best. That is not good enough."{{cite news|last=Palmer|first=Scott|date=15 July 2020|title=Where Judith Collins stands on cannabis, same-sex marriage, abortion and euthanasia|work=Newshub|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/where-judith-collins-stands-on-cannabis-same-sex-marriage-abortion-and-euthanasia.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715024558/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/07/where-judith-collins-stands-on-cannabis-same-sex-marriage-abortion-and-euthanasia.html|archive-date=15 July 2020|access-date=15 July 2020}} She later voted for the Marriage (Gender Clarification) Amendment Bill 2005, which would have amended the Marriage Act to define marriage as only between a man and a woman.{{cite web |url= http://votes.wotfun.com/bill/42 |title= Marriage (Gender Clarification) Amendment Bill – New Zealand Parliamentary Conscience Votes Database |publisher= Votes.wotfun.com |date= 7 December 2005 |access-date= 14 May 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190408051125/http://votes.wotfun.com/bill/42 |archive-date= 8 April 2019 |url-status= dead }} In 2013, however, Collins voted for the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill, a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in New Zealand.{{Cite news|url= http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_12146.php|title= Justice Minister now pro gay equality, marriage|date= 20 August 2012|work= GayNZ|access-date= 14 May 2016|archive-date= 4 June 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160604193106/http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_12146.php|url-status= live}}

In 2005, Collins voted for the Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Act, a bill aimed at raising the drinking age to 20 years.{{cite web |url= http://votes.wotfun.com/bill/30 |title= Sale of Liquor (Youth Alcohol Harm Reduction) Act – New Zealand Parliamentary Conscience Votes Database |publisher= Votes.wotfun.com |access-date= 14 May 2016 |archive-date= 18 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160318071508/http://votes.wotfun.com/bill/30 |url-status= live }} In 2012, in her role as Minister of Justice, she introduced the Alcohol Reform Bill,{{cite web |title=Alcohol Reform Bill |url=https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/00DBHOH_BILL10439_1/alcohol-reform-bill |website=www.parliament.nz |publisher=New Zealand Parliament |access-date=21 July 2020 |date=2012 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218014812/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/00DBHOH_BILL10439_1/alcohol-reform-bill |url-status=live }} a bill that introduced several restrictions on sale of alcohol including stricter opening hours for bars or liquor stores (but ultimately did not raise the drinking age).{{cite news |last1=Davison |first1=Isaac |title=Major alcohol reforms pass into law |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10853379 |access-date=21 July 2020 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=11 December 2012 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=20 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720234718/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10853379 |url-status=live }}

In 2009, Collins voted against the Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill, a bill aimed at amending the Misuse of Drugs Act to allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.{{cite journal|date= 1 July 2009|title= Misuse of Drugs (Medicinal Cannabis) Amendment Bill — First Reading|journal= Hansard|volume= 655|page= 4850|location= Wellington, New Zealand|publisher= New Zealand House of Representatives|access-date= 6 December 2016|url= https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansD_20090701_00001165/misuse-of-drugs-medicinal-cannabis-amendment-bill-first|archive-date= 9 January 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200109150445/https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/hansard-debates/rhr/document/49HansD_20090701_00001165/misuse-of-drugs-medicinal-cannabis-amendment-bill-first|url-status= live}} In 2020, Collins voted no to legalising cannabis in the 2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum.{{cite news |last1=Quinlivan |first1=Mark |title=Cannabis referendum: National leader Judith Collins takes another swipe at Jacinda Ardern for not saying which way she voted |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/11/cannabis-referendum-national-leader-judith-collins-takes-another-swipe-at-jacinda-ardern-for-not-saying-which-way-she-voted.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103111913/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/11/cannabis-referendum-national-leader-judith-collins-takes-another-swipe-at-jacinda-ardern-for-not-saying-which-way-she-voted.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 November 2020 |access-date=22 June 2021 |work=Newshub |date=2 November 2020}}

In 2011, Collins pledged to support abortion-law changes which would make it illegal to perform an abortion on someone under the age of 16 without parental notification. Collins had proposed adding this to the Care of Children Act in 2004.{{cite news|url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/5037189/Judith-Collins-backs-action-on-secret-teen-abortions|title= Judith Collins backs action on secret teen abortions|date= 22 May 2011|work= Stuff|access-date= 14 May 2016|archive-date= 9 February 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160209041624/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/5037189/Judith-Collins-backs-action-on-secret-teen-abortions|url-status= live}} In 2020, she supported the Abortion Legislation Act 2020, which decriminalised abortion.

In June 2021, Collins defended the advocacy group Speak Up For Women, a group opposed to gender self-identification, which had been prevented from hosting a meeting at a Christchurch City Library venue on the grounds of alleged transphobia.{{cite news |last1=Small |first1=Zane |title=National leader Judith Collins defends Speak Up For Women after Christchurch City Libraries blocks event |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national-leader-judith-collins-defends-speak-up-for-women-after-christchurch-city-libraries-blocks-event.html |access-date=6 July 2021 |work=Newshub |date=27 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622115100/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/05/national-leader-judith-collins-defends-speak-up-for-women-after-christchurch-city-libraries-blocks-event.html |archive-date=22 June 2021}}

In August 2021, Collins called for a referendum on the growing use of Aotearoa, the Māori-language name for New Zealand, in official documents and statements. This was in spite of the fact that Collins had used the name several times during her time as a minister in the previous Fifth National Government.{{cite news |last1=Cooke |first1=Henry |title=Judith Collins suggests referendum on name of New Zealand, despite using 'Aotearoa' while in Government |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300373200/judith-collins-suggests-referendum-on-name-of-new-zealand-despite-using-aotearoa-while-in-government |access-date=19 September 2021 |work=Stuff |date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905173544/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/300373200/judith-collins-suggests-referendum-on-name-of-new-zealand-despite-using-aotearoa-while-in-government |archive-date=5 September 2021|url-status=live}}

Collins has been nicknamed "Crusher Collins", which stems from her policy as Minister of Police to crush the cars of speeding drivers.{{Cite web|date=25 November 2021|title=No surprises as combustible Judith Collins crashes and burns as National leader {{!}} Tim Watkin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/25/no-surprises-as-combustible-judith-collins-crashes-and-burns-as-national-leader|access-date=26 November 2021|website=The Guardian |language=en}} She has also been subject to ridicule after using her Samoan husband's ethnicity to "shield herself" from accusations of racism and a lack of diversity in her shadow cabinet.{{Cite news|title=Judith Collins blasted for 'weaponising' husband's ethnicity during leaders debate|language=en|work=Newshub|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/judith-collins-blasted-for-weaponising-husband-s-ethnicity-during-leaders-debate.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925162048/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2020/09/judith-collins-blasted-for-weaponising-husband-s-ethnicity-during-leaders-debate.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 September 2020|date=23 September 2020|first=Vita|last=Molyneux|access-date=26 November 2021}}{{Cite web|date=1 September 2021|title=Covid-19: Talofa Judith – Collins hasn't been in touch, says Pasifika church community|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/126249973/covid19-talofa-judith--collins-hasnt-been-in-touch-says-pasifika-church-community|access-date=26 November 2021|website=Stuff |language=en}} She has won a mixture of light-hearted admiration and disapproval for her "tough image"{{Cite web|last=Hager|first=Nicky|date=20 July 2020|title=Nicky Hager: Five reasons why Judith Collins won't be prime minister|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/20-07-2020/nicky-hager-five-reasons-why-judith-collins-wont-be-prime-minister|access-date=26 November 2021|website=The Spinoff }} and tongue-in-cheek hubris, to the extent that she was indirectly referred to by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as a "Karen" in 2021.{{Cite web|title=My husband is Samoan, so talofa {{!}} Ensemble Magazine|url=https://www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz/articles/my-husband-is-samoan|access-date=26 November 2021|website=www.ensemblemagazine.co.nz|date=23 September 2020 |first=Zoe |last=Walker Ahwa}}{{Cite web|first1=Madeleine |last1=Chapman |author-link1=Madeleine Chapman|date=1 July 2021|title=Is Judith Collins a Karen?|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/01-07-2021/is-judith-collins-a-karen|access-date=26 November 2021|website=The Spinoff }}

• Pull No Punches: Memoir of a Political Survivor. (2020) {{ISBN|9781988547510}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin|}}

• {{cite book |ref={{sfnRef|Department of Corrections|2001}} |title=About Time:Turning People Away From a Life of Crime and Reducing Re-offending |publisher=Department of Corrections |place=Wellington, New Zealand |year=2001 |format=PDF |url= https://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/10652/abouttime.pdf |isbn=0-478-11330-7 |accessdate=25 September 2024}}
• {{cite book |ref={{sfnRef|Department of Corrections|2009}} |title=Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2009–2014 |year=2009 |publisher=Department of Corrections |location=Wellington, New Zealand |isbn=978-0-478-18061-9 |access-date=26 December 2012 |url=http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/361365/Drugs-_and_-Alcohol-Strategy-09.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101214225139/http://www.corrections.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/361365/Drugs-_and_-Alcohol-Strategy-09.pdf |archive-date=14 December 2010 }}

{{refend}}

{{subject bar|auto=y|d=y|Politics|New Zealand}}

• {{official website|https://judithcollins.national.org.nz/}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140504142641/https://www.national.org.nz/team/mps/detail/judith.collins Profile] at National party{{MPLinksNZ | parliament = MPs/d/0/7/50MP77901-Collins-Judith.htm | beehive = judith-collins | theywork = judith_collins }}

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