University honours Fa’anānā Efeso Collins with dedicated space

The University of Auckland has opened a new study space in its main library to honour the late Pacific MP and community leader Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.

The dedication ceremony held on Wednesday recognises the Green MP’s long-standing work for Pacific students.

Fa’anānā’s loved ones, close friends and members of the Green Party gathered at Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui, the campus’ general library, to celebrate the life, vision, and legacy of the late politician.

In February 2024, Fa’anānā collapsed and died from cardiac arrest during a ChildFund charity event in Auckland, while raising awareness about clean drinking water in the Pacific. He was 49.

His widow, Vasa Fia Collins, and daughters Kaperiela and Asalemo thanked the university and the 100 guests gathered, saying her husband would have reminded everyone of the day’s deeper significance.

“Efeso would be the first to say that today is bigger than him, it’s about our people being seen, our stories valued, our cultures uplifted. His name is not on this wall because he was wealthy, I believe he offered something far greater, a legacy of love, faith and service.”

A siapo was unveiled to mark the Fa'anānā Efeso Collins study space at Auckland University's campus library. Photo/Supplied

A measina (taonga) in the form of a siapo (bark cloth) crafted in Savai’i, Sāmoa, by Opeta Elika, was unveiled and blessed by Reverend Uesifili Unasa. The art piece holds a prominent place on the wall and creates a space on campus for students of all ethnicities to reflect and further their studies.

The Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space was established through a partnership between Student and Scholarly Services and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific to support Pacific students at the university.

Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, acknowledged the commitment of many who brought the vision to life and remembers Fa’anānā as a trailblazer.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau (right) acknowledged the commitment of many to bring the vision of the Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space to life. Photo/Supplied

“The hands of many have worked together for this occasion, to honour a man who held many in his hands, and it is only right and fitting that we recognise a person who gave so much to this University and whose heart was all in for our tauira.”

Fay Nanai, Pacific Engagement Lead for Learning and Library Services, organised the event and transformed the former Pacific Space. She says the new space reflects the blueprint provided by Fa’anānā’s life and legacy.

“When I think about everything he’s imparted on the University during his time here, this space has been built upon a dream, a vision and a prayer that our parents had when migrating from across the Pacific.

“Every Pacific student who comes onto campus would know they are seen, they are valued and they are heard. More importantly, that they can see a place for themselves at Waipapa Taumata Rau.”

Fa’anānā’s legacy

Fa’anānā had Tokelauan and Sāmoan heritage and was a proud University of Auckland alumnus and president of the students’ association. During his time, he developed initiatives to strengthen student voice and equity on campus, including founding the Dream Fono programme to mentor senior Pacific high school students.

Beyond the university, he served as Chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and as an Auckland Councillor for the Manukau Ward from 2016 to 2022, advocating for youth development, social equity and community well-being. In 2022, he ran for Auckland Mayor on a platform to reduce inequality and poverty.

In 2023, Collins entered Parliament, continuing his advocacy for Pacific communities until his sudden passing in February 2024. His maiden and final speech remains a call to action:

"Love is an act of courage, not fear. Love is a commitment to others.
No matter where the oppressed are found, the act of love is a commitment to their cause – the cause of liberation. We are tangata tiriti, and we have nothing to fear."

The creation of the Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space also sits within a wider national debate about the role of equity-focused spaces on campus.