She has served as attorney-general, defence minister, Opposition leader
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the appointment of Judith Collins as the next president of the New Zealand Law Commission, which means that she will not stand as a member of Parliament at the 2026 election.
“It is with great regret and enormous gratitude that I thank Judith for her service; however, I am delighted she will take up this prestigious appointment to the Law Commission,” Luxon said in a news release from the government.
Collins will assume her new role in mid-2026. Until then, she will remain an MP.
“Working alongside Judith over the past six years, I have seen firsthand her deep commitment to New Zealand, her loyalty to our team, and her unshakeable belief in standing up for what she thinks is right,” Luxon said.
In the news release, Luxon explained that the position calls for “astute legal knowledge – something Judith is eminently qualified for.”
Luxon acknowledged that Sir Geoffrey Palmer was among the renowned New Zealanders preceding Collins in the role.
Over two decades, Collins has worked in public service, including as MP, Opposition leader, defence minister, and attorney-general.
“Throughout that time, she has served this country with commitment and conviction,” Luxon said in the government’s news release. “She has carried a wide range of portfolios in Government and fronted some of the most difficult challenges without flinching.”
On behalf of the government and the National Party, Luxon expressed gratitude to Collins for all her contributions to New Zealand so far.
“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,” Luxon added.
In September 2025, Amokura Kawharu wrapped up her five-year term as the Law Commission’s president.
“I would like to thank the out-going President, Dr Kawharu for her able leadership, her work in the review of the Evidence Act 2006, and in reviewing the law relating to hate crime,” said Paul Goldsmith, justice minister, in a previous news release from the government.
On 15 October 2025, Goldsmith announced the appointment of Mark Hickford as a member of the Law Commission for five years and as its president for six months, pending the confirmation of a new president in 2026.
On 21 November 2025, Collins shared that Kawharu would serve as a judge of the High Court of Australia, sitting in Auckland.
