She’s had a hand in 18 portfolios over the course of her career as a minister. Some, such as Police, Corrections, and Ethnic Communities, she’s held twice.
So, what does her departure mean for New Zealand politics? Who better to ask than the man who coined the nickname Crusher Collins?
“I think Barry Soper, I think he’s confessed to it. I’ve never used it, but I’ve never objected to people using it because there’s no point.
“In politics, as long as they’re calling you something, it’s probably better than calling you nothing,” she quipped when asked about the infamous moniker as she announced her leaving politics.
Soper, Newstalk ZB’s senior political correspondent, spoke to The Front Page about Collins’ career, defined by survival, scandal, comebacks, and a crushing presence in New Zealand politics.
Of all of her roles, Soper said, her work as Police Minister would be top of mind for most Kiwis.
“When she cracked down on the boy racers and said she would crush all their cars. They passed legislation to allow police to do that. But, unfortunately, I believe that Judith only crushed one car, standing over it in stiletto heels!
“So I dubbed her ‘Crusher’ Collins, and funnily enough, it was a name that stuck with Judith Collins because it personified her image. But underneath that tough image was, in fact, a really nice woman – a woman who has a great sense of humour.
“She’s been in the rough and tumble of politics probably more than anyone else in the place at the moment,” he said.
Collins delivered her maiden speech to Parliament on August 29, 2002. In it, she remembers being told she couldn’t be a lawyer.
“You won’t be a lawyer. You’re a nice girl; you’ll get married,” she said.
Soper said Collins has always been a survivor.
“She’s very businesslike when it comes to politics, and having made mistakes in the past, she’s learned a lot and become a very good politician. I think people see her as a fairly formidable force in politics, and rightly so.
“But when you see the other side of her, the private side, you always get a giggle. You always have a laugh. She likes her drink. She’s a good sort,” he said.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about Collins’:
- Political career and portfolios
- Leadership and controversies
- Legacy and future.
The Front Page is a daily news podcast from the New Zealand Herald, available to listen to every weekday from 5am. The podcast is presented by Chelsea Daniels, an Auckland-based journalist with a background in world news and crime/justice reporting who joined NZME in 2016.
You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
