Judith Collins, the minister and former National Party leader, is stepping down from politics to take up the role of president at the Law Commission.
“As all MPs know, our families are the unsung heroes who allow us to do the very public job that we do for New Zealanders,” Collins said.
“I want to say a huge thanks to the Prime Minister for his confidence in my abilities. I started this term with eight portfolios, and I am announcing my retirement from politics with seven, having been a minister in four terms of government.”
Collins will stay on as an MP until mid-2026, at which point she will begin her role with the Law Commission.
“Before being elected to Parliament, I practised law for 21 years. Some might say law is my first love, so it seems fitting it will soon be my professional focus once again, she said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed “great regret and enormous gratitude” upon announcing Collins’ new appointment.
“I am delighted she will take up this prestigious appointment to the Law Commission.”
“The role requires astute legal knowledge – something Judith is eminently qualified for,” Luxon explained. “She will follow in the footsteps of other highly regarded New Zealanders such as Sir Geoffrey Palmer.”
“Judith has given more than two decades of her life to Parliament and public service as a Member of Parliament, Minister, and Leader of the Opposition. Throughout that time, she has served this country with commitment and conviction.”
“She has carried a wide range of portfolios in government and fronted some of the most difficult challenges without flinching.”
“On a personal level, I’ve seen Judith’s compassion for the people she represents, her love for her family, her sharp mind and sense of humour, and her quiet acts of kindness that most people will never know about.”
“On behalf of the government and the National Party, I want to thank Judith for all she has given this country.”
Collins held senior roles across multiple governments, including as Leader of the Opposition from 2020 to 2021.
She also led National through the 2020 election campaign, where the party faced a major defeat amid internal infighting.
She returned to Cabinet as defence minister and attorney-general when National’s Christopher Luxon formed a coalition government with ACT and NZ First.