Fa'anānā Efeso Collins remembered as a strong Pacific advocate

Former Minister for Pacific People’s says “it’s a huge blow and a shock” following the recent news of the passing of MP, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

The 49-year-old Green MP collapsed in Auckland this morning whilst taking part in the ChildFund Water run which was to support local communities in the Pacific in Auckland.

It was later confirmed that he had died at the scene.

Collins is survived by his wife Fia and two daughters.

Former Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio says his passing is a huge blow and shock.

“He represented the next generation of future leaders in politics.”

Collins entered the political scene in 2013 when he was elected to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board in 2013 and became its chairperson.

Ala Vailala, Shaneel Lal and Fa’anānā Efeso Collins at the ANZAC Day Memorial Service, Otahuhu 2019.

In 2016 he was then elected as one of two councillors for the Manukau ward which Aupito says he raised the voice for Pacific people.

“When he came on as a councillor, he was a loudmouth. Whether you liked him or not, he got the issues on the agenda and raised the voice for Pacific and young people. And particularly attacked the racism around in local government agencies.”

Collins ran for mayoralty as an independent candidate, with endorsement from Labour and the Greens, in 2022 and was the runner-up to Wayne Brown.

Collins announced his retirement from local body politics following the mayoral election.

He was then confirmed as the Green Party candidate running for the Panmure-Ōtāhuhu seat in which he came third but was elected to Parliament as a list MP.

In his recent maiden speech last week Thursday, Collins advocated for more support for young people.

“It’s our job in this House to resource the people and organisations who will model the behaviour to them that we expect, but who also won’t give up on them and won’t come with a saviour mentality.”

Aupito says there will be added shock from the Pacific community, given the excitement and the promise in Collins’ maiden speech.

“We have to take the time out and offer our respect to him and our condolences to his wife and family and still continue to look to the future.”

Fa’anānā was the son of Tauiliili Sio Collins and Lotomau Collins. His matai title of Fa’anana is from the village of Satufia, Satupaitea, Savai'i.

Tributes flow

Green Party co-leader James Shaw says the party is “absolutely devastated”.

“He truly was the most beautiful man. He was deeply committed and steadfast in what it is he believed in, stood for and championed. With a sense of grace and love.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he’s “truly shocked and saddened at the news of Efeso Collins' sudden death".

"Efeso was a good man, always friendly and kind, and a true champion and advocate for his Samoan and south Auckland communities. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family, his community and colleagues."

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says they first met when Efeso was President of the Auckland Student Association in 1999 and connected because of their shared values.

“Efeso was a member of the Labour Party for a long time and stood for the Party several times. I have deep respect for him and his politics and am saddened by the news today.”

Labour Deputy Labour Leader Carmel Sepuloni says Efeso was “a passionate advocate for our community and a role model for the people of South Auckland and New Zealand’s Pacific community”.

“We are thinking of Efeso’s wife and his two beautiful daughters, his wider whānau, friends and community. The loss of this courageous man will be felt by so many.

“This has deeply affected us as a Labour Party, our Pacific caucus members and MPs across Parliament."

Pacific health leader Sir Collin Tukuitonga says Efeso was a rare person who was taken too early.

"A number of us were hopeful he would also have an impact at Parliament. It feels like a sudden stop in someone who has already had a big impact. No doubt his legacy will live on in many of the things he had supported."

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says Efeso was a “bold Pacific leader and champion for south Auckland.”

“It’s a sad day for Auckland. He was a good man; my heart goes out to his family. Efeso is someone I had a lot of respect for.”

The Minister of Health and Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti says Fa'anānā Efeso was a “pillar of our communities, particularly the Pacific community and his hometown, south Auckland's Ōtara”.

"Fa'anānā Efeso worked hard to serve all communities for many years, dedicating his time in both local and more recently in national politics to progress issues he was passionate about, particularly supporting young people to realise their potential.”