Judith Collins
Judith Collins is a highly qualified and experienced lawyer and was a company director prior to being elected to the constituency seat of Clevedon in 2002.
Judith has been awarded Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws (with Honours) and Master of Taxation degrees by the University of Auckland.
She has over 20 years professional experience as a lawyer. Prior to becoming an MP, she had been Chair of the Casino Control Authority, President of the Auckland District Law Society, Vice-President of the New Zealand Law Society and a public company director and chairperson.
Judith Collins is ranked number 7 in the National Party caucus and has responsibility for four portfolios, Social Welfare, Veterans' Affairs, Families and Pacific Island Affairs.
She is Deputy Chair of the Social Services Select Committee.
In 2004, as a first term MP, Judith held the then Minister of Immigration to account over the handling of an immigration case that led to the Minister resigning from Cabinet.
In the area of Veterans' Affairs, Judith campaigned successfully to force an Inquiry into the effect of Agent Orange on War Veterans. She has called for recognition of New Zealand war heroine, Nancy Wake.
Judith is married and lives with her family in South Auckland. She has been awarded the Ex-Vietnam Services Association Pin in 2004, was made an honourary member of the Royal New Zealand Naval Association (Counties Branch) in 2005 and is an Associate member of the Papakura, RNZRSA.
Judith is a keen advocate for mutual responsibility in the area of social welfare. She believes in educational standards for all New Zealand children and that good parenting is crucial for children.
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