Judith ‘Crusher’ Collins to take on Jacinda Ardern to become prime minister of New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern will go head-to-head with newly-elected National Party leader Judith ‘Crusher’ Collins to remain prime minister of New Zealand.

The opposition party elected Ms Collins during an emergency caucus on Tuesday evening following the resignation of Todd Muller. 

This is the second time in the country’s history that two women are vying for the Top Job in the country’s general election. 

Ms Collins earned her nickname ‘Crusher Collins’ as police minister in 2009 when she proposed legislation to confiscate and destroy cars of illegal street racers. 

‘I am hoping that the National Party can crush the other lot when it comes to September 19,’ Ms Collins said.

Ms Collins is the fourth National leader since the 2017 election and the party’s second female leader. 

The 61-year-old was first elected to Parliament in 2002, serving in governments under prime ministers John Key and Bill English. 

She held police and corrections portfolios and is seen to represent the right-wing of the National Party, having previously promoted strong law and order policies. 

Ms Collins now faces the task of trying to rally support 67 days from the September 19 election.

Recent polls show Labour with sufficient support to form a majority government, a first since New Zealand adopted a system of proportional representation in 1996.

Ms Collins will go head-to-head with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on September 19

All previous governments since that time have been coalitions and Labour currently governs with the support of the Green Party and right-of-centre New Zealand First led by Winston Peters.

Ms Collins admits she is facing a difficult task against Ms Ardern.

‘I love causes that are looking pretty tough, that’s when I tend to get really interested,’ she told radio station Newstalk ZB.

‘I obviously thought about whether or not I should put my hands up in the circumstances but I thought… I can make a difference.’

Ms Ardern became leader of Labour less than two months before the election in 2017, where she secured her role as prime minister. 

The 39-year-old mum-of-one has been praised for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic. New Zealand has recorded just 22 deaths. 

Ms Ardern has been praised for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic

Mr Muller, who was the opposition leader for just over 50 days, resigned after citing health reasons. 

‘It has become clear to me that I am not the best person to be leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party at this critical time for New Zealand,’ he said.

‘It is more important than ever that the New Zealand National Party has a leader who is comfortable in the role.

‘The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally, and on my family, and this has become untenable from a health perspective.’

New Zealanders will head to the polls on September 19.