Election 2020: Judith Collins prays before casting advance vote

National leader Judith Collins spoke to her maker before casting her ballot, but refused to share what was discussed.

National party leader Judith Collins prays at St Thomas Church in Tāmaki before casting her early vote for the election.
National party leader Judith Collins prays at St Thomas Church in Tāmaki before casting her early vote for the election. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher

Collins and her husband David Wong Tung cast their advance votes at a polling station at St Thomas Church in Tāmaki this morning, ahead of the 17 October election.

National’s leader said her choice to vote “two ticks National” was very easy. She also voted in favour of the End of Life Choice Bill and against the legislation of cannabis.

As she arrived at the polling station, Collins was asked by the church’s priest if she would like to say a prayer before voting, to which she replied “what a good idea”.

When later asked by reporters about her brief prayer, Collins said the media had not asked if they could follow her, but she “didn’t want to make a fuss”.

Collins said she was very “comfortable” going to church and sometimes visits one on Sundays, “but not always”.

“I pray every day,” she added.

National leader Judith Collins and her husband David Wong Tung cast their advance votes in Auckland. 4/10/2020
National leader Judith Collins and her husband David Wong Tung cast their advance votes in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / Katie Scotcher

The National Party leader would not tell reporters what she prayed for, saying “that’s between me and God, actually”.

In recent weeks, Collins’ references to her religion have notably increased. She has mentioned in both televised leaders’ debates “I’m a Christian and a feminist”.

Collins was asked if she was doing this intentionally to attract right-leaning voters who may support parties like the New Conservatives.

She stressed that her faith was not new.

“If you look at my maiden speech 18 years ago, you’ll see that right then, there I declared that I believe in God. I still do.”

Collins said she was raised an Anglican and baptised in the Church of England. She also attended Sunday school and Bible class.

“For me, it is inherently part of who I am,” Collins said.

‘Rather sad’ if Collins using faith to sell policy – Peters

Winston Peters was welcoming of Collins’ faith but critical of her approach.

He said he did not know until recently that she was religious.

“But I”m glad she is. She’s had a Damascus experience, clearly, but I’m pleased to see that because it might be in the future – as it wasn’t in the past – reflected in her policies.

“As a true believer myself and as someone that’s understood the values and the need for Christian beliefs.”

He said she should not be using the church to portray her politics, however.

“It’s in the good book – Jesus said ‘render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s’. That is a separation of government from religion as clear as anything, in the Bible.

“If someone is using the church to sell their politics then that is rather sad.”

Read more about the 2020 election:

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news