Judith Collins – MP for Papakura

I am back in Auckland and have been out in a few different electorates catching up with small business owners and locals. In typical Kiwi fashion, the people I meet put on a brave face. However, often after a few minutes of talking about their current reality inevitably tears flow. In my twenty years in politics the only time I have experienced a similar feeling of absolute…

First I want to thank everyone in Auckland who is coping with another week in lockdown. Auckland is doing the hard yards to keep everyone else in New Zealand COVID-19 Delta free. This week we should think of the parents, teachers, principals and students who are struggling through another week of lockdown in Auckland. I am also very aware of the huge pressure on all the business…

While there’s a clear case for change in our Three Waters sector, the Government’s plan isn’t compelling, and the model of four regional entities comes with several serious problems. We recognise and understand the need for change. But the proposed solution will end up with more problems than solutions. The benefits of scale are not convincing. Water services are not like the…

I hope you are safe and well at home as we continue this Level 4 lockdown. I can imagine that some of you may be feeling anxious, fed up, even angry! This virus is virulent, unpredictable and brings challenges that affect us all. It’s clear that decisive action is needed to prevent further community spread of Delta and it is better to contain it with a level 4 lockdown than…

Judith Collins is the MP for Papakura, leader of the National Party, and leader of the opposition in the 53rd Parliament of New Zealand. She sat down with elocal to discuss the current direction of the Government, and why New Zealand desparately needs a change. MJ: The country – from what I can see it’s going down the gurgler. JC: I must say, everything seems to be going…