Why has Judith Collins been bragging so much about her new car?



Well, she's been crowned brand ambassador for Peugeot, DS and Citroen at an Auckland car dealership.

The former justice minister has been posting promotional updates on social media about driving around in her flash new car.

The partnership, which is free of charge, is for six months. In that time, she gets to drive around with petrol costs paid for, in exchange for raising the profile of Southern Autos Manukau.

So are MPs allowed to use their high profile for endorsement deals? As long as they declare it, it seems to be OK.

An Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives spokesperson stated MPs needed to log any financial interests they have and gifts they receive over $500.

"Members may not receive payment for activities they carry out in Parliament or in connection with their official duties," she said.

"There is nothing preventing a member from endorsing a product though."

The latest register of members' pecuniary interests was in January 2015, meaning the next declaration won't be until next year.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Clerk said he wasn't aware of other MPs partnering with brands in such a way, but their declaration might not give a lot of detail anyway.

Green Party co-leader James Shaw said while it might be legal, it doesn't mean it's "tasteful".

He said MPs often get behind products, for example he said he supports electric cars, but he would not sign a deal to become a brand ambassador.

"I would describe that as a step too far," he said. "You shouldn't be using the weight of your office to formally sell for commercial enterprises. It just seems really out of order."

But Collins says the Greens should get over themselves.

"I say get on ya bike, don't worry about it. Someone will no doubt want them to promote a bike somewhere."

She reasons that she is not getting any benefit from the deal because it saves the taxpayer money.

"The dear-old taxpayer under parliamentary service, they have to pay the costs of MPs' use of cars for parliamentary business," she said. "I get to drive around cars for my work, and my work is saving money so it's saving taxpayer's money.

"As an MP, not a cabinet minister, I can do that."

And if Peugeot-buyers mention her name at the time of sale, part of the money would go towards the Papakura Community Crimewatch Patrol, of which she is patron.

"I'm not doing it for myself, I'm doing it to help Papakura Crimewatch Patrol. So actually it's a win-win."

Collins is known for the tough line she took with street racers as police minister, introducing legislation to crush the cars of repeat illegal speedsters. She wrote that she hoped the car wouldn't get her "into trouble for going too fast".

Southern Autos Manukau chief executive Matthew Newman said he had known Collins for years and had reached out to her.

"She does love cars," he said. "She's out and about in our area, Papakura, Clevedon, and Karaka..she doesn't pay for it. She gives us the profile and she gets to drive round in our lovely brand new French car. "

The partnerhip is about supporting their local business, he said.

However, Collins had written that there was one let-down to charging around in her new ride.



"Only downside is it still goes a bit fast and being sign-written with my name all over it, it's not like I can go under the radar."



