The Diary: Crusher Collins gets a laugh from resignation

Justice Minister Judith Collins.

Hoax post gives embattled minister a rare chuckle this week.

She was the victim of a satirical resignation letter this week, but under-fire Cabinet minister Judith Collins insists the humour was not lost on her. For once this week, albeit briefly, the besieged Justice Minister had a chance to chuckle.

Collins, who has faced calls for her to quit over links to right-wing attack blogger Cameron Slater, says she's not going anywhere. And a fake letter posted by RadioLive broadcaster Duncan Garner on Wednesday purporting to signal her resignation was just that - fake.

"I didn't know Duncan had such a great sense of humour. I thought his letter was very clever and I laughed, largely because he couldn't be more wrong. I haven't resigned," Collins told The Diary yesterday.

Garner said he was just providing some light relief to the steady stream of dirty political emails released by the anonymous hacker.

"It was satire. I was having a laugh and it's good to see Judith sees the funny side of it. It wasn't dirt, it wasn't stolen, it wasn't hacked. I hope people had a laugh."

Parker mixes with the stars
He returned from the States on Wednesday with a heavyweight victory under his belt, a long list of celebrity acquaintances, and a potential new fight deal on an American cable network next year.

Joseph Parker, 22, is taking his success "all in his stride", said manager-promoter David
Higgins.

"We had discussions with TV networks Showtime and HBO, and both see Joseph as a strong prospect for another fight next year."

Joseph Parker and Stan Walker

But it wasn't all business. An R&R "team-building" expedition saw Joseph, Higgins and Dean Lonergan take in the sights of LA.

There was the tour of Universal Studios and four days of luxury at celebrity Hollywood haunt Chateau Marmont, where Parker ran into American pop princess JoJo and Kiwi R&B star Stan Walker at a music industry function at the bar.

His brushes with fame also extended to Anthony Bourdain, Selena Gomez, Heather Graham and Randy Jackson.

Peters exposes Rascal

Rascal the cat.

When you least expect it, Winston Peters throws you a curve ball.

While fellow Opposition pollies were tweeting about collusion with bloggers and bully-boy antics, the leader of the NZ First Party took to Twitter to expose the real Rascal. The cat, that is.

It seems the neighbour's moggy has taken to conking out on his desk, making it tricky for Winnie to work.

Says Peters: "When the neighbour's cat, Rascal, comes to visit it makes replying to emails take just that little bit longer."

Cue "awww" moment. It was a twinkle of campaigning brilliance.

Glitteratti in the big top

Dan and Honor Carter expected to attend the glittering event.

Cirque du Soleil's Totem opens tonight at Alexandra Park and Auckland's glitteratti will be rugging up warm for the super top.

Prime Minister John Key is on the guest list. But this will be a circus he'll be willing to be a part of.

Dan and Honor Carter are also expected to attend.

As are telly types Temuera Morrison, Ali Pugh, Simon Dallow, Jeremy Corbett, Susan Wood, Rachel Smalley, Peter Williams, Sam Hayes and Pua Magasiva.

Netball beauty Maria Tutaia is due, but her beau, Sydney Swans forward Kurt Tippett, won't be on her arm.

He plays in Victoria on Sunday.

Greg Murphy, the Topp twins, Tim Finn, Mandy Barker and Jacinda Ardern are also on the celebrity guest list that's longer than a Leonard Cohen song.

Piri heads for the valleys

Former All Black Piri Weepu bids adieu with a selfie from his plane seat.

Best wishes to former All Black Piri Weepu who departed these shores on Wednesday night to take up a contract with London Welsh.

Like all self-respecting superstars, he took to his premium airline seat to post a selfie and some words of wisdom.

"Gonna miss everything about Aotearoa while I'm away," Piri posted. "Thanks for all the support. Time to begin my new chapter and make an impression. Well, I'll try to make an impression."

You always made your mark with us. Go well, Piri.