Fran Collett

Fran Collett, born Bebe Fran Baxter in November 1936, was a pioneering journalist and the first female reporter in the New Zealand parliamentary Press Gallery. Known for her charm and charisma, Collett navigated a male-dominated political landscape during the 1960s, often becoming embroiled in scandalous affairs with influential politicians, including a prominent relationship with Minister Tom Shand. Her journalistic prowess and social connections raised suspicions of potential espionage during the Cold War, leading to surveillance by New Zealand's security services. Collett's life was marked by both personal and professional controversies, culminating in her untimely death in 1972 at age 35.