Widow remembers Fa’anānā Efeso Collins' 'beautiful smile' as mural unveiled

On a bright Monday afternoon, Vasa Fia Collins stands in a carpark lot in south Auckland.

Behind her is the freshly inked mural of her late husband, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, his smile beaming across Manukau from the wall of Ronwood Carpark.

“It’s a beautiful reciprocation of love,” the widow says.

"A year on, it still feels surreal. As a family, we're still devastated by the loss, but it’s been beautiful to see tributes like this honouring Efeso’s legacy.”

Fa’anānā died suddenly at a charity event in February 2024, at the age of 49.

At the community unveiling, Collins thanks the artists and those gathered for “really showing up for us”.

“My daughters and I have felt the love, the aroha, the support of so many in the country, but even the Pacific region."

Renowned graffiti artists Charles and Janine Williams completed the work for free, and Collins says this was due to their special connection with the late Fa’anānā.

“When they met Efeso, he accepted them and believed in them. As soon as they told me that, I knew - this is it. I receive their blessing and their taonga, and that’s what kick-starts this journey.”

The mural is a collaboration between mana whenua, the artists, Eke Panuku, and the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

The vibrant art stands in the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board community, where Efeso once served as chair, as a tribute to his time as an Auckland councillor for Manukau Ward.

“We know this car park well,” Collins shares.

“Efeso advocated for this playground. He even brought the Pasifika Festival to Hayman Park, Manukau - the face of the future.”

Collins says the mural holds deep meaning for their daughters, Asa Lemo, aged 5, and Kaperela, 12.

“I had brought them here for the opening karakia. And that was the first time that they saw the projected image of Efeso on the wall.

Work began on the mural on 13 February 2025. Photo/PMN News

“And so every day, they would ask, ‘Can we go see daddy? Can we go today? Can we go after school?’ And even in the weekends, so it's been quite therapeutic for them.

“It’s a beautiful part of them understanding what's happened and being able to remember their father as a local hero and a community leader for the people.”

An ongoing legacy

The mural features a quote from Fa’anānā Efeso Collins:

“E le tū fa’amauga se tagata” – “Nobody stands alone. Nobody succeeds alone, and for me, nobody suffers alone.”

This quote has a strong meaning for Collins and her daughters.

"We’re here because so many of you stand with us in our sadness and pain," she says.

Fa'anānā's daughters Kaperiela and Asalemo perform a siva Sāmoa, taualuga, to end the mural blessing for their late father. Photo/PMN News Mary Afemata

“Our family and friends miss Efeso every day, but we’re committed to continuing his legacy and the phenomenal work he dedicated his life to.”

Collins announced plans to launch a foundation in Efeso’s memory but says it’s a work in progress.

“We pray that it will give back to our people and community. In the meantime, for those who still wish to support the cause, we encourage donations to the charities Efeso and I have supported for many years: Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) and OAC Ministries.

“We’ve been focusing on coping and grieving, but we’re soon going to turn a corner where we can truly begin to honour and celebrate his legacy.”

The finished result. Photo/PMN News/Mary Afemata

She also thanked her parents, daughters, and God for their unwavering love, prayers, and faithfulness.

“We miss Efeso deeply. His voice, advocacy, leadership, courage, intelligence, humour, warmth, and his beautiful smile.

“He was our treasure - God-fearing, kind, and compassionate to all. Efeso loved this community with all his heart.

“His life was dedicated to helping those in need- young people, South Auckland, Pacific peoples, the poor, and the most vulnerable.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.