He was succeeded in the prosecuting role by Mr Collins, who grew up in Napier, son of well-known and now retired rugby radio commentator Brian Collins, with whom he shared the distinction of captaining Hastings' St John's College First XV from first five-eighths.
The rugby career was curtailed during law studies at Victoria University, and graduating with Arts and Law degrees he was admitted to the Bar in 1988, working initially for eight years in the thoroughbred racing industry, before returning to Hawke's Bay and joining Elvidge and Partners.
He has prosecuted in many major trials in the High and District Courts in Napier, as well as Gisborne, where he has also held the Crown prosecutor warrant since 2006, and in other parts of the country, including Wellington.
His major sports interest in Hawke's Bay has been surf lifesaving while he is also chairman of Swim Heretaunga, a trust position he will be relinquishing. He was also a member of the Eastern and Central Community Trust, a position he relinquished in 2007.
The legal connection in the family took another step last year when son Liam was admitted to the Bar, joining high-profile Wellington barrister Greg King, for whom he worked up till Mr King's death earlier this month.