Zoom slip-up: National MP Judith Collins' failure to mute appears to capture expletive over Armed Response Teams

Senior National MP Judith Collins appears to have been captured in an unmuted Zoom committee uttering "for f**k's sake" after Labour MP Kiri Allan congratulated police over ending Armed Response Teams. 

Collins had earlier been asked to mute herself by committee chair Labour MP Deborah Russell - but could be heard making remarks under her breath. 

The Zoom flicked to Collins - whose video was turned off - saying, "Oh, come on", after Allan acknowledged police for ending the armed police trial. 

As Allan told police, "I think that we're all very proud of the remarks that you made yesterday..." a whispered "f**k's sake" came across the audio. 

Kiri Allan congratulates police on ending Armed Response Teams.
Kiri Allan congratulates police on ending Armed Response Teams. Photo credit: Zoom

When contacted by Newshub, Collins said, "I tipped some tea on myself", and then said, "I don't think I swore," before repeating, "I don't think I said it. Anyway, I was tipping tea on myself". 

Despite the blunder, Collins still hadn't muted herself 15 minutes later - the Zoom call flicking to her background and picking up muffled movements and comments as Labour MP Greg O'Connor questioned police.

The Zoom call flicking to Judith Collins saying, "Oh, come on."
The Zoom call flicking to Judith Collins saying, "Oh, come on." Photo credit: Zoom

In April, Health and Social Services Secretary Vaughan Gething of Wales forgot to unmute and was captured swearing about a colleague during a similar virtual meeting.