Pacific MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins dies

Pacific MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins has died after taking part in a charity event in Auckland this morning - only 6 days after making his maiden speech in Parliament.

Fa’anānā, who is of Samoan and Tokelau descent, died after collapsing while taking part in a ChildFund Water Run to raise funds to support local communities.

He spent three terms in Auckland Council, serving as the chairperson of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and as Manukau ward councillor.

He ran for the mayoralty of Auckland in 2022 and was elected to Parliament as a Green MP in the 2023 election, the only new Pacific person to be made a member of parliament in that election.

The tragic news comes only days after he delivered his maiden speech in Parliament, packing out the public gallery with family and friends.

He told Parliament: “If I was to inspire anyone by getting to this house and my work over the next three years, I hope that it's the square pegs, the misfits, the forgotten, the unloved, the invisible

“It's the dreamers who want more, expect more, are impatient for change, and have this uncanny ability to stretch us further.

He said in his speech that his favourite part of mass on Sunday was when the parish priests would rise and say the mass ended.

“It's about that time that I start to think about what we're going to be having for lunch. But our priest continues now with his arms outstretched, and he will close with this charge to the congregation. Go now in peace to love and serve the Lord,” he said.

“Mr. Speaker. It is with that spirit, the spirit of peace and love and service with which my extended family who are here today come to this house.”

Fa’anānā is survived by his wife Fia and two children.