MP Judith Collins "Brand Ambassador" For Car Dealer
MP and former cabinet minister Judith Collins is acting as a "brand ambassador" for a newly-opened car dealership.
Posting about the arrangement on Facebook last month, Collins said some purchases mentioning her name will result in a "very generous donation" to
the charity of her choice – Papakura Community Crimewatch Patrols, of which she is patron.
Collins has also been driving a car supplied by the dealership. It has signwriting promoting the company, the charity
sponsorship, and "Judith Collins Brand Ambassador". Her Facebook posts have enthused over the car's speediness and technological features. She helped cut at least two objects (a ribbon and a cake) at the dealership's opening last week.
MPs must declare financial interests including gifts (above the value of $500 and actually received by the MP) and employment "under a contract of service".
Collins' declaration was last updated in May.
As a Minister Collins faced conflict of interest allegations surrounding her support for exporter Oravida, of which her
husband is a director. Recently Green MP Eugenie Sage apologised for suggesting a connection between Oravida, Collins and swamp kauri export regulation.
In 2014, as ACC Minister, Collins announced reductions to motor vehicle levies and the since-controversial risk ratings for cars.
In a 2013 Herald interview Collins showed a preference for vintage sportscars, describing her 1974 burnt -range MGB and 1978 SC Targa Porsche.
Collins called the MGB "seriously cool". More recently she used the same words to describe the brand-ambassadorial
hatchback.