February 21, 2024
Tributes flow for Fa’anana Efeso Collins, a good man
Green MP Fa’anana Efeso Collins has died after collapsing while participating in a charity event in central Auckland.
The 49-year-old was taking part in ChildFund Water Run to raise funds to support communities in the Pacific,
He collapsed at 9am in the Britomart area and emergency services immediately responded with CPR and defibrillators without being able to revive him.
The former Auckland councillor came into parliament as a list MP in October after an unsuccesful run for the Auckland mayoralty.
Former Labour MP Aupito William Sio says it’s a huge blow to Mangere and the nation.
Political Parties are also paying their condolences
Green Party
Statement from the Co-leaders of the Green Party on the death of Efeso Collins
It is with profound shock and sadness that we can confirm that Green Party MP Efeso Collins has died.
“We are absolutely devastated. A beautiful family has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community leader.
“The news today has come as a profound shock to everyone, and our absolute priority is to Efeso’s wife and young girls.
“Aotearoa and the Green Party have lost one of the kindest, most dedicated champions of fairness and equality.
“Efeso collapsed while taking part in the ChildFund Water Run in Auckland. ChildFund works to bring safe, clean drinking water to children in the Pacific and was a cause close to Efeso’s heart.
“The on-site medical team immediately went to Efeso’s aid and did everything they could to revive him. We are grateful to them for acting so fast. Our thoughts are with them and everyone at ChildFund – the volunteers and staff – whose work Efeso admired so much.
“Efeso devoted his life to serving and making a difference to the lives of those he met, including his constituents, colleagues, friends, and family. He held the deepest respect of the members of all political parties and communities.
“We will continue to aspire to the dedication and commitment Efeso showed to always put the greater good above our own. He showed us what that means every single day.
“We will miss Efeso dearly, but celebrate with gratitude the contribution he has made to Aotearoa.
“We ask that the privacy of his family be respected above all, in their time of loss.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown
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 former Manukau ward councillor will be greatly missed by the Governing Body, and many people across the wider council family. He was a bold Pacific leader and champion for South Auckland, as well as a fierce and respectful opponent on the campaign trail for the Auckland mayoralty. Although we competed for the mayoralty, we actually became quite good friends and were very respectful of each other.
Labour saddened by news of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins
The Labour Party is devastated by news of Green MP and long-time Labour member Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, who died during a charity event this morning.
“I first met Efeso when he was President of the Auckland Student Association in 1999. We connected because of shared values, a love for New Zealand as a country that supports and embraces all people,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“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’s Pacific Caucus members are also in mourning.
“Many of us worked or studied with Efeso over several decades. Efeso was a passionate advocate for our community and a role model for the people of South Auckland and New Zealand’s Pacific community,” deputy Labour Leader Carmel Sepuloni said.
“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.”
NZCTU Statement on Fa’anānā Efeso Collins
The union movement is sending its love and condolences to the family of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, said NZCTU President, Richard Wagstaff, today.
“We are heartbroken for Efeso’s whānau, friends and community,” said Wagstaff.
“This news is devastating. Efeso was a leader who had so much more to give.
“Efeso was a lovely man. He was full of warmth, grace and passion for his people.
“He was always a staunch supporter and advocate of unions. He championed workers’ issues, from the Living Wage to Fair Pay Agreements.
“We will miss him dearly,” said Wagstaff.
Taxpayers’ Union pays tribute to Efeso Collins
Commenting on the news of the death of Green MP, Efeso Collins, Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director, Jordan Williams said:
“While we may have had different politics, Efeso was always a councillor I – and the Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance – could call and have a constructive conversation with. One of his strengths was that he tended to eschew the polarised politics of the modern age.
“On behalf of the Taxpayers’ Union, and our sister group, the Ratepayers’ Alliance, our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time. He will be missed.”