Will's Word: Talofa Judith Collins

My first real impression of Judith Collins was back in 2018, when she put her hand up to lead the Nats after their loss the year before under Bill English.

There’s a social media post from that time that’s still etched in my brain. Collins saying the National Party should be focused on beating Jacinda Ardern. Then going one step further.

“I will beat Jacinda Ardern.”

At the time, that felt like a huge call. Jacindamania had well and truly taken hold across the country. But I remember admiring the sheer guts of it. .

Fast forward to 2020. Todd Muller bows out, Collins steps up, and she leads National into what can only be described as a walloping at the hands of Jacinda Ardern.

There was that now infamous debate moment too. The “my husband’s Samoan, so talofa” line that still follows her around years later.

And look, this isn’t about glossing over the lows of her 24 years in Parliament. The dirty politics allegations. The awkward media moments. The failed tilt at the top job.

It’s about acknowledging something else.

Despite all of that, Judith Collins has always been an absolute battler.

A workhorse. A machine for the National Party.

She’s held more portfolios than most ministers could dream of. That’s competence. That’s someone who gets things done.

People who’ve worked with her often say the same thing. Tough but fair. An office that runs tight. No nonsense.

In that sense, she reminds me a lot of Margaret Thatcher.

A conviction politician. Steel spine. Unapologetic. Never trying to be liked, only trying to be effective.

You always knew where Thatcher stood. And you’ve always known where Collins stands too.

Say what you like about her, and plenty of people do, but you can’t deny the impact she’s had on New Zealand politics.

The fact she’s receiving genuine well wishes from both sides of the aisle says a lot.

So love her or loathe her, she’s left a mark.

And that deserves to be acknowledged.

Thank you for your service, Judith.

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