Veteran National politician Judith Collins will become the new president of the Law Commission, leaving Parliament after more than two decades as an MP.
The party stalwart confirmed today she would not be seeking re-election in her Papakura electorate at November's election.
She would remain as an MP until her new role commences in mid-2026.
In a statement, Collins said it had been a privilege to serve New Zealand across her nearly 24-year career in politics.
"I could not have done it without the unwavering support of my husband, David, and son, James, who have kept the home fires burning since I was first elected.
"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."
Watch Judith Collins speak on her retirement from her Beehive office here.
Collins — who has held portfolios ranging from Leader of the Opposition to Attorney-General, and from Police to Corrections, — thanked the "very capable and committed teams" that supported her in these roles.
"Their hours are long and their workloads are large, and it has never gone unnoticed. To them I say thank you," she said.
"I also want to pay tribute to the electorate volunteers who have worked with me during my time as the local MP. I simply could not have done this job without you.
"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."
'Commitment and conviction': Luxon pays tribute to Collins
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon thanked Collins for her service.
“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.
“The role requires astute legal knowledge – something Judith is eminently qualified for. 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.
“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.
“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."
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The Cabinet minister and former National Party leader served in senior roles across multiple governments, and leader of the opposition from 2020 to 2021.
She played a key role in Sir John Key's government and later for National in opposition.
Collins led National through the 2020 election campaign where the party suffered a major defeat amid internal infighting.
She returned to Cabinet as defence minister and attorney-general when National's Christopher Luxon formed a coalition with ACT and NZ First to form a government.
Collins' announcement today comes as Green Party list MP Celia Wade-Brown announced she would retire from Parliament at this year's election.
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