A journalist phoned me a couple of days ago to say the National Party should serialise Judith Collins’ autobiography as a really positive contribution to the election campaign.
Having just finished reading it, I can understand why he said that.
The book begins with Judith’s childhood on a dairy farm. Hers was a typical post-war country childhood, growing up with little more than necessities in the material sense but rich in love.
Her parents were Labour voters. It was a confrontation with a union when she and her husband, David Wong Tong, owned a restaurant that turned her off that party. The union staff was there for the union, not the workers they were supposed to be representing.
Judith worked as a lawyer and set up her own firm before entering politics.
Her story shows some of the work good electorate MPs do for their constituents and the hard work they have to do in parliament, and even more in government. She also shows her appreciation of the party volunteers and the loyalty and service of electorate, parliamentary and ministerial staff.
Most people recognise Judith’s intelligent head, the book also shows her heart in a story told with wit and warmth.
Her final paragraph would be a good basis for an election manifesto:
That valuing of all is crucially important for New Zealand. With our small population, we can’t afford to have parts of the country feeling left out of our grand plans. We need to build a culture of tolerance, not of discord. Remember we are all immigrants or the descendants of immigrants. Whether they came to New Zealand on waka or sailing ships or by plane, our ancestors all came here for a better life – and they all came to New Zealand for opportunity. They brought with them the resilience of my forebears, a drive and determination to make a difference. Let us embrace that as we live in our present.
This book should be compulsory reading for political tragics. It will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn about the person behind the politics and would be instructional for those who aren’t familiar with the good work of politicians that rarely, if ever, gets reported.
Pull No Punches by Judith Collins, published by Allen & Unwin.
Homepaddock 
Reblogged this on The Inquiring Mind.
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But, but … isn’t wrapping fish and chips important life experience ? Seriously, this book is essential reading and reinforces the opinion that one needs real life experience and maturity before taking on the massive task of running a country. It’s interesting that the PM has decided against debating against Judith. Not a good look.
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My reading portrayed a life forming experience of rural farm life with many similarities to my own, albeit allowing for the almost two decade step in time.
Her back story almost holds a trump for every part of the Key Back story, her hand holding a biggy in her love of David Wong Tung. Add in her academic record of genuine achievement, Law office and society contribution and success in the restaurant trade, the word impressive soon comes into focus.
A genuine home grown New Zealander who has overcome every hurdle placed in front of her who anyone can relate to. So different to the manufactured image created by the lame stream media in pursuit of their ideological bent.
Such a contrast to working in a fast food outlet, OE with Blair who was never met, Political at University, Socialist International and The NZLP then appointed by Peters from a less than impressive mid thirties election result due I suspect strongly influenced by concessions agreed to in a still secret policy document in the Winston First Office safe.
If they only knew?
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