Judith Collins retirement: Sir John Key calls her the ‘Margaret Thatcher of New Zealand’

Former Prime Minister Sir John Key has called retiring minister Judith Collins the “Margaret Thatcher of New Zealand” who wore her moniker “Crusher Collins” like a “badge of honour”.

Collins, a former National Party leader, announced her resignation from politics this morning, after more than two decades in Parliament.

Under Key, who was Prime Minister from 2008 to 2016, Collins held many senior portfolios, including police, justice and corrections.

Key praised Collins’ capabilities as a politician, telling BusinessDesk’s Garth Bray the experienced Cabinet minister was popular, hard-working and will leave big shoes to fill.

“She was tough when she needed to be and softer than people thought when she needed to be,” Key said.

"She was very hard-working and very well liked by the backbench, actually.

“She put a lot of spade work into going to the various electorates across the country held by National MPs; a lot of weekend work. I think she loved the tough woman image – ‘Crusher Collins’ – she wore that moniker like a badge of honour."

During her time in Parliament, Collins earned the nickname “Crusher” due to her policy of crushing cars seized from criminals.

“Every retirement always brings a degree of celebration from the backbench who want opportunity, but they are going to be big shoes to fill. Judith had sort a bit of the – Margaret Thatcher of New Zealand – in a way and she played that role really well," Key said.

Christopher Luxon and Judith Collins talking at National's caucus retreat in 2022. Photo / George Heard

Key revealed Collins was more conservative than other ministers and “completely against” his efforts to change New Zealand’s flag in 2015 and 2016.

“You knew she wasn’t there to eat her lunch, she was there to make a difference and play a big role and ultimately she did.”

Asked how losing the most experienced Cabinet minister could affect National’s chances in the lead up to the November general election, Key said: “I think people understand that politicians come and go, sometimes ones they don’t like and sometimes ones they do like.

“The reality is when people look at voting, I think they, in many respects, vote on policy and the people who execute it are an important part of it but they are not the be-all and end-all.

“Will it be a reason why someone would go to the polling booth and say ‘no, I won’t vote for you’? I doubt it. She has and will always be very popular in her electorate but another candidate will come along and I have no doubt that National will hold the seat.”