Shane Reti looks almost certain to be the next deputy leader of the National Party with potential challengers for the role ruling themselves out.
The caucus was meeting at Parliament on this morning to decide who would slot into the number two spot after Gerry Brownlee announced he would step aside late last week.
Heading into the meeting, Brownlee endorsed Dr Reti - who is National's health spokesperson - to take over the role.
"The issues the country is going to face over the next couple of years are going to be much more determined by the Covid-19 response," he said.
"Shane Reti will provide good support for Judith given that particular focus."
RNZ understands Reti is also Collins' favoured option though she is publicly refusing to reveal her preference.
"My preferred option will be whoever caucus delivers," Collins said.
Per the party's rules, Collins will face a confidence vote, but told reporters she expected to retain the leadership.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay and list MP Michael Woodhouse had been touted as potential contenders for the deputy position, but both ruled out making a tilt.
"I won't be offering myself in that role," Woodhouse said. "I wish the person who does get that role every success."
McClay told reporters Reti was the "best person" for the job.
"He resonates with New Zealanders, he has a very good command of some important policy areas, and he has the respect of caucus."
Former leadership aspirant Mark Mitchell also ruled out a run for the deputy position.
He said he would wait to see who was nominated, but saw merit in having a "genuine medical doctor" in the leadership team during a pandemic.
Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey declined to say who he would support, but described Reti as a "top guy" whom the caucus was lucky to have.
Collins had earlier signalled she would unveil her new line-up and their responsibilities after the leadership team was confirmed.
She was coy when questioned about the reshuffle, but told reporters to expect "surprises".
"Anything that happens in the caucus stays in the caucus," Collins said.
It is widely expected that list MP Paul Goldsmith will lose the finance portfolio following a series of errors in the party's alternative budget.
"We were fighting hard to win an election," Goldsmith said.
"We had a very bad result, I had a senior role, and I'm fully accountable."