Green MP Efeso Collins dies after collapse at ChildFund Water Run in central Auckland
Green MP Fa’anana Efeso Collins has died after collapsing while participating in a charity event in central Auckland.
Collins was taking part in ChildFund Water Run to raise funds to support local communities in the Pacific at 9am in Auckland’s Britomart when he collapsed.
Emergency services immediately responded with CPR and defibrillators to treat the MP and continued working on him for an hour.
An organiser for the event confirmed to the Herald he had died at the scene.
Collins, 49, is survived by his wife Fia and two daughters.
He holds the Samoan ali’i chief title of Fa’anana from the village of Satufia, Satupaitea in Savaii.
Raised in South Auckland, he has always been a strong advocate for the area and the young people there.
A proud Samoan, Collins has always been involved in the Samoan and Pasifika community - particularly as an advocate for Pasifika youth.
Collins was elected to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board in 2013 and became its chairperson.
Three years later he was elected to the Auckland Council as one of two councillors for the Manukau ward.
At the 2022 local body elections, he stood for the mayoralty as an independent with the backing of the Labour Party and outgoing Mayor Phil Goff, where he was the runner-up to Wayne Brown.
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Bailey Brannon
Both Catherine Dunphy and Reverend Geremy Hema from the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori office worked closely with Collins and said the news was absolutely devastating.
“Efeso loved helping young people and was always willing to come back to the University and share stories and laughter with our Tuākana Learning Community," Dunphy said.
“E te aporei e Fa’anānā, te tangata mau taitara ali’i nō ngā kāinga o Satufia, Satupaitea, te moutere o Savai'i, haere ki ō tūpuna, haere ki Te Atua.
E te taniwha niho koi te ao tōrungapū, te kaiwhatu i ngā kete o te mātauranga, te ringa raupā o te hapori, o te iwi, okioki atu rā.
Ahatia te ohorere, te āhua whawhati tata o tō hinganga, ko te kāpura o te aroha o te iwi, e kore e tineia, engari e kaha mura tonu ana.
E rere ana te aroha me ngā īnoi mō Fia, āu tamāhine, me tō whānau whānui.
“To you our dear friend and former colleague, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, holder of the ali’i chiefly title of Fa’anānā from the village of Satufia, Satupaitea in Savaii, may you find rest in your ancestors and your creator.
"We acknowledge your brilliance and courage as a political voice, your dedication to educational excellence, your humble leadership and service within our communities. Rest in peace.
"Although we are devastated and shocked at your sudden passing, our love for you, and gratitude for your endless service to your people, will endure forever.
"Our prayers are with Fia, your girls, and your whānau and community.”
Auckland University shocked at death of Collins
Bailey Brannon
The University of Auckland says it is shocked and saddened at the sudden death Efeso Collins, an alumnus and friend to many.
Collins’ first foray into politics took place on campus at the Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland 25 years ago when he was elected Auckland University Students’ Association (AUSA) president. He graduated with a Master of Arts in 1999 and also taught at the university.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, said Collins, whom she studied alongside, was a trailblazer as the first Pacific person to become AUSA president.
“That relationship never ended, that is, until today, and his legacy remains with us, we will make him proud,” she said.
“He was a visionary and paved the way for Pacific peoples; he always made time to come onto campus for our students. Our thoughts go out to his family. He will be dearly missed.
“La manuia lau malaga. Alofa’aga e lē mavae mo oe le tuagane pele. Safe journey/Rest in peace. Our love for you will never end dearest brother.”
Associate Dean Pacific, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Sir Collin Tukuitonga, said he and a number of others were hopeful Collins 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 has supported."
Collins worked at the University for 15 years, founding ‘Dream Fono’, a leadership and mentoring programme for Year 12 students, in 2002. The programme encouraged students into tertiary education and to aspire to leadership roles.
Simon Wilson pays tribute
Ebba Strand
"Go well, Fes. You wanted to help us make a better city and become better people, and you never stopped believing that you could. We will honour you."
Watch: Collins' maiden speech to Parliament
Ebba Strand
Former Minister for Pacific Peoples speaks on Collins' passing
Bailey Brannon
Former Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio spoke of the potential that Collins represented on many levels - particularly for young people, South Auckland and the wider Pasifika community - and his new role as an MP.
“So much potential, so much hope.
“I suppose you have to hope that others inspired by him will continue to be inspired by him.”
Aupito said he had known Collins and his aiga (family) since before politics.
In the early 90s, they were staunch supporters of the Labour Party and particularly of Taito Phillip Field, he said, who was the first MP of Polynesian descent in New Zealand.
Collins had moved to the Greens since, but Aupito said he was seen as a sort of uncle to the younger generation of Pacific politicians - no matter which party they represented.
When Collins decided to run for the Auckland mayoralty, he called on Aupito for advice.
Last week, when Collins gave his maiden speech in Parliament, Aupito said he listened to it proudly.
“When I listened to his speech, I was so pleased because what he said, the message and how he articulated it, I felt so confident that that’s going to inspire so many of our younger generation.
“And give them hope about the possibilities and hope that you can be whatever you want to be - and be confident, courageous and fearless as he was.
“I think that all of that hope, aspiration and inspiration makes his death so devastating and such a heartfelt blow.
“It’s so devastating today.”
Collins' usual seat in Parliament has been adorned with flowers
Hamish Fletcher
Sophie Ryan
Ngarewa-Packer said it was a valuable lesson for all in politics to remind themselves how important people's personal lives are and to value their families and communities.
MPs are now standing and are singing a waiata.
Sophie Ryan
Te Pāti Māori Debbie Ngarewa-Packer is now speaking, saying the party's heart goes out to his wife, wider family and communities.
"We can only imagine the gap he leaves."
She spoke of how Collins was often a calming presence in the House and she noted, somewhat humorously, that she sometimes wondered whether he might join her party one day, such was his love and warmth for all.
Sophie Ryan
Hipkins is now handing the rest of his time to Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, who knew Collins from university days.
"He was and continued to be a force to be reckoned with," Sepuloni said of Collins during their university days and beyond.
"Losing Efeso is a loss to our country and to our Pasifika community."
Sepuloni talked of how Collins would call out racism and speak up for disadvantaged communities.
"We mourn with you," Sepuloni said to the Green Party.
"You lead through service, you were a leader and your legacy of service and leadership will be remembered."
Sophie Ryan
"He could break tension with just a few words," Hipkins said, while commenting on how Collins could convey profound ideas and concepts with just a few words.
Collins was a rugby fan and enjoyed the odd milkshake, Hipkins commented.
He again referenced descriptions of Collins as a "wayward son of Labour" who had made his way to the Greens.
Hipkins ended his time by repeating Collins' Christmas wish from last year which he told RNZ, which was that the nation prioritises actions that mean children will wake up knowing they will have three meals each day and had somewhere safe and warm to sleep at night.
Sophie Ryan
Shaw said Collins "led a life full of love".
"Farewell on your journey, my friend," Shaw said to finish his speech.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he expressed sadness and shock on behalf of the coalition Government.
Luxon met Collins a couple of years ago and had caught up with him recently, discussing how MPs managed work and family commitments.
"He was what I would call a true servant leader."
"I think he had a promising political career ... I have no doubt he would have been very good for this place."
He extended his thoughts to the Green Party.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it was never easy to lose a husband and a father but said it was made inifinitely more hard when it occurs in such a fashion.
Hipkins is detailing Collins' study and work, saying Collins was the first in his family to go to university. Collins had a long affiliation with Labour, having been a member for a long time and stood for the party as a candidate.
Sophie Ryan
Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is formally informing the House of Collins' death. He sent his best wishes to his family and acknowledged his contribution to politics. He said there would be an opportunity for many to speak to their memories of Collins, however, today there would be a number of specified speakers, a waiata and a moment of silence.
Greens co-leader James Shaw is the first speaker, starting by saying New Zealand was farewelling an excellent man, father, husband, brother.
To Collins' family, Shaw said: "The thoughts of everyone here and around Aoteraoa are with you."
He paid testament to those who helped Collins' in the minutes after his collapse.
"He conducted himself quietly and gracefully ... and full of empathy," Shaw said of Collins.
"Efeso Collins was a good man."
Shaw said Collins was called to Parliament partly to advocate for communities struggling with poverty and deprivation."Aotearoa needed him, we needed him."
He noted how Collins' maiden statement to the House, made just six days ago, must also be considered his valedictory.
"Your dad will be your Valentine forever," Shaw said in a message to Collins' daughters after referencing a picture of them on Valentine's Day.
Hamish Fletcher
Former Auckland councillor and now National MP Cameron Brewer said only a week ago Efeso Collins was being congratulated on a wonderful maiden speech to Parliament.
"I distinctly remember a younger Efeso fronting up as Chairperson of the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board to Auckland Councillors and strongly advocating for his community," Brewer said.
"At the time, we were blown away by how eloquent and articulate he was and thought what bright future he had."
"Efeso had that unique ability to walk equally well in two worlds. He was such a positive role model for Samoan Kiwis and South Aucklanders, with his passing a huge loss. Rest In Peace."
'Funny, smart, and articulate'
Hamish Fletcher
Ministry for Pacific Peoples has released a statement on Collins' death.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins this morning, while taking part in a charity event in Auckland," the ministry said.
"Of Samoan and Tokelauan descent, Fa'anānā Efeso was a pillar of our communities. From the South Auckland suburb of Ōtara, he served the community over many years," it said.
"We acknowledge the hard work he put into local and national politics to progress issues he was passionate about, particularly in education and helping our young people realise their potential," it said.
"Known for his good humour, Fa'anānā Efeso was funny, smart, and articulate. He will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts and alofa are with his wife, daughters, extended family and community at this sad time."
Hamish Fletcher
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board member Albert Lim told the Herald he had known Collins for a long time and said the MP had guided him when he first joined the board.
"He's always stood up for what he believed in, like for Pacific people, because he'd been through a lot of issues when he was young."
He said it was a shock to lose him, especially at an event that was for a good cause.
"It's something that's so shocking in a way, that people can pass away so quick. My condolences to his wife and family."
Hamish Fletcher
MP Jenny Salesa said Collins was one of her constituents in Ōtāhuhu and gave her personal regards to his wife and children.
Hipkins said: "All Parliamentarians would feel this loss, regardless of what party you are a member of.
"I've had a lot of messages from the other side of the House today, extending their aroha and support.
'Passionate advocate for Pasifika New Zealanders'
Hamish Fletcher
Deputy Labour leader Carmel Sepuloni said many of members of Labour's Pasifika caucus had known Collins for a long time.
She said: "He was a massive advocate for the vulnerable."
"Today, we're just here to express our sadness."
"He was a member of the Labour party for the long time. He moved from our fale to the Green Party, but as we see it, he was just next door and was always family.
"He was never scared to say what was on his mind," Sepuloni said.
"I remember him being the University of Auckland [student association] president, and I remember looking at him and thinking, 'wow, a Pasifika person is the student president'."
The mood in the room as Hipkins and Sepuloni spoke was extremely sombre.
MP Barbara Edmonds, standing behind Sepuloni, could be seen taking tissues and wiping away tears.
'A larger-than life-character' - Labour leader Chris Hipkins
Hamish Fletcher
It is the second consecutive day an emotional Chris Hipkins has spoken to media in Labour’s caucus room, having spoken to Grant Robertson’s resignation yesterday.
Hipkins extended the party's condolences to Collins' family.
"Efeso Collins is a larger-than-life character," he said.
Hipkins, who first met Collins in 1999, reminisced on a speech he made, and said he remembers watching him and thinking "there's someone who's going to go a long way".
Hipkins said the tragedy had occurred just as Collins arrived at Parliament.
"He was a passionate advocate for Pasifika New Zealanders. Our condolences also go to the Green Party, whom I know are feeling this loss acutely."
Hamish Fletcher
'Devastated for your girls' - former MP Golriz Ghahraman
Hamish Fletcher
Former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman said she was "devastated for Collins' whole whānau".
"Devastated for your girls, your whole whānau, for the vibrant communities who looked to you for your warmth and authentic wise leadership, for your Pasifika strength," she said.
"I couldn't be more sad for the loss this means for NZ politics. From being there to help Fes launch his mayoral campaign with the most diverse, packed hall in central Tāmaki to the absolute joy of having his sharp empathetic presence in the Green caucus, I know he will be missed. All the love in the world to his wonderful wife and girls in this hardest of moments, all the strength to you."
'Terrible shock'
Hamish Fletcher
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau said that Collins' death was a "terrible shock". She posted a tribute to him on Instagram.
Hamish Fletcher
Councillor Lotu Fuli, a longtime friend who replaced Efeso Collins in the Manukau ward on the council, said "our community has lost a great leader".
"Efeso was my dear friend and 'bro' who I have had the pleasure of knowing since our days at Tangaroa College and as student activists at Auckland University. Fa'anana Efeso Collins was a great champion for social change and a fierce advocate for Pasifika and South Auckland," Fuli said.
"Few could rival him in the debating chamber at Council, and we were only beginning to see his oratory talents in Parliament. Our hearts go out to Fia and the girls who have today lost a much-loved husband and father. RIP my friend."
Fuli had earlier posted how proud she was of Collins when he delivered his maiden speech in Parliament last week.
Hamish Fletcher
Laidlaw College chief executive Roshan Allpress told the Herald Collins, who had served on the school's National Governance Council for four-and-a-half years, had been a "wonderful part" of their community and there was a lot of grief around his passing.
He said they even had an agenda item on the board meeting last week to pause and watch his maiden Parliament speech.
"He will be greatly missed."
"He was a blessing to the community, an advocate for so many and we will miss his smile, his insight and just his presence."
'Huge loss to Aotearoa New Zealand' - Charity boss on Collins
Hamish Fletcher
Collins collapsed while at an event for ChildFund New Zealand this morning.
The charity's chief executive, Josie Pagani, said in a statement that Collins had been a "passionate advocate for the Pacific".
"That’s why he was supporting the ChildFund Water Run this morning," she said.
"He had given his precious time to be part of this event. Shortly after the end of the race, Efeso suffered a medical incident. He received immediate medical treatment on-site by event staff and then by St Johns Ambulance officers, but very sadly passed away as a result of the medical incident."
“We are deeply shocked and thinking only of his family at this time. It will take time to grasp the huge loss to Aotearoa New Zealand. All we can do now is grieve,” Pagani said.
Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says Collins' death 'beyond tragic'
Hamish Fletcher
Auckland deputy mayor Desley Simpson said Efeso Collins' death is "beyond tragic".
"A man known for giving so much to his community, to Auckland and most recently to New Zealand, has died participating in an event to raise money for his fellow Pacific people today. Words cannot express how I’m feeling, but I am sending my heartfelt and utmost condolences to Fia and his daughters Kaperiela and Asalemo," she said.
"Efeso, your faith was incredibly important to you and your family and may God’s love embrace your family at this tough time."
'Charismatic, gregarious, and great company' - Councillor Daniel Newman remembers collins
Hamish Fletcher
Councillor Daniel Newman said he had known Efeso Collins for many years, describing him as a good South Auckland man who loved his wife and young daughters.
He was a fine public servant, held a deep personal faith, and sometimes attended Mass with me.
"I enjoyed sitting with Efeso around the Auckland Council table regardless of whether we were on the same side or different sides of the debate. He was a passionate advocate for the advancement of social justice."
"Efeso was charismatic, gregarious, and great company. His untimely passing is a tragedy."
Hamish Fletcher
David Letele says Collins death 'an incredibly sad day'
Hamish Fletcher
Friend of the late Green MP Fa’anana Efeso Collins and fellow community leader David Letele said Collins’ work was “only just beginning”.
Speaking from the scene to the media, Letele said it “was just an incredibly sad day”.
Letele acknowledged that Collins’ work was “only just beginning”.
“Now being in the Green Party and being in Parliament, the impact that he was meant to have for us was going to be huge - for us [Pasifika] was going to be huge,” Letele said.
“It’s a huge loss for his family, for his wife, and New Zealand as a whole - especially our people.”
Read Letele's full tribute below.
Greens Party's tribute to Collins
Hamish Fletcher
Greens co-leader James Shaw had to choke back tears while reading a statement. He confirmed Marama Davidson was on her way to Auckland.
The party had earlier said they were "absolutely devastated" at the news.
"A beautiful family has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community leader," the co-leaders said.
Shaw and Davidson sent their thoughts to Collins' wife and young daughters.
“Aotearoa and the Green Party have lost one of the kindest, most dedicated champions of fairness and equality," they said.
Shaw and Davidson said Collins "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," they said.
Shaw told reporters that he understood at 2pm there would be a statement in house from himself, the Prime Minister, the opposition and Te Pati Maori.
He said there will be formal ceremony at a undisclosed later time.
"We are absolutely devastated," Shaw said.
"He truly was the most beautiful man with an orientation of love."
He was a "true champion" for what he believed in and did all things with grace.
"I am so grateful for the short time I got to serve alongside him."
Shaw said he found out about Collins' collapse through the media.
"He did everything he could to be a leader in his community and do right by his family," Shaw said.
"His love for his family essentially extended to all families."
Hamish Fletcher
PM 'shocked and saddened' at death of Efeso Collins
Hamish Fletcher
“I am truly shocked and saddened at the news of Efeso Collins’ sudden death,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.
“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.”
Hamish Fletcher
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's tribute to Collins
Hamish Fletcher
Wayne Brown said Collins' death was "a sad day for Auckland".
See Brown's full tribute below:
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.
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He was elected to Parliament as a Green Party MP at the 2023 election and party co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson released a statement on Collins’ death, saying they were “absolutely devastated”.
Shaw choked back tears while addressing the media.
“He truly was the most beautiful man with an orientation of love,” Shaw said.
“A beautiful family has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community leader,” the co-leaders said in a statement.
They sent their thoughts to Collins’ wife and young daughters.
“Aotearoa and the Green Party have lost one of the kindest, most dedicated champions of fairness and equality,” they said.
Collins ‘happy, jovial’ before collapse
Community advocate Dave Letele has paid tribute to a man who was dedicated to his community and who was set to do big things representing his people and the Pacific community as his new role as a Greens MP.
Speaking at the scene, Letele - who was also a participant of the charity run - said Collins had come out to support an event that was ultimately helping the Pacific region.
“The bro was giving his time and it’s just an incredibly sad day.
”He acknowledged that Collins’ work was ‘only just beginning’.
”Now being in the Green Party and being in Parliament. The impact that he was meant to have for us, was going to be huge - for us [Pasifika] was going to be huge.
”It’s a huge loss for his family, for his wife and for New Zealand as a whole - especially our people.”
A representative for the event said Collins was “happy and jovial” in the moment before he collapsed.
“Everyone was just in shock, it happened so quickly,” the man said.
People working at the event “jumped into action quickly” and started performing CPR on him immediately before the defibrillator was brought out.
“We are obviously very upset and shocked.”
An eyewitness said the incident happened a few minutes after the race winner was announced.
“They’d just announced the winner and everyone was standing around - then there was a scream. I turned around and he’s collapsed to the ground.”
The outdoor event was attended by a number of high-profile Aucklanders including Dave Letele, The Hits host Matty McLean and Seven Sharp anchor Hilary Barry.
Letele was beside Collins, as paramedics and emergency staff including firefighters keep providing medical treatment to him.
A witness said as emergency services arrived, many of the participants and event staff became emotional.
“There were lots of tears and everyone was hugging each other.”
He was taking part in a water run race in Te Komititanga Square outside Commercial Bay to raise awareness and money for clean drinking water to children in the Pacific Contestants raced each other around a course carrying two filled buckets of water, with the person with the most water deemed the champion.
‘A life of service’
Green Party co-leaders Davidson and Shaw said Collins “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,” they said.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he is “truly shocked and saddened” to hear of Collins’ death.
“Efeso was a good man, always friendly and kind, and a true champion and advocate for his Samoan and South Auckland communities,” Luxon said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family, his community and colleagues.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said it was 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.
“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.”
MPs could be seen leaving select committee rooms in Parliament House after an unexpected adjournment apparently triggered by Collins’ death.
Some MPs could be seen crying as they headed for Parliament’s black and white tiles.
Parliament will still meet today at 2pm, however Question Time has been cancelled.
The Speaker will read a prayer.
In the past, party leaders have marked the death of an MP by each speaking on that MP’s passing before adjourning Parliament early.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he was saddened by Collins’ death, saying he had “deep respect” for the former Labour Party member and candidate.
Hipkins said he first met Collins when he was Auckland Student Association president in 1999.
“We connected because of shared values, a love for New Zealand as a country that supports and embraces all people.” He added Labour’s Pacific caucus was in mourning.
Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni described Collins as 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,” she said.
“This has deeply affected us as a Labour Party, our Pacific caucus members and MPs across Parliament.”
Auckland councillor Mike Lee was shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden death of Collins, saying “he was more than a colleague, he was a dear friend”, adding the country had lost a man who had the potential for greatness.
Auckland councillor Richard Hills paid tribute to Collins’ lifelong dedication to service.
Labour MP Helen White said she was shocked and sad to hear of Collins’ death. “He was such a warm man and his love for his family was spears evident,” White said. “My thoughts are with his whānau on this terrible day.”
Collins’ 2022 Auckland Mayoral rival Leo Molloy paid tribute to the Green MP online, saying they had shared a moment this morning before the event began.
“I had a laugh with Efeso about politics and Wayne before they commenced.
“Efeso was a remarkable man, we didn’t agree politically, but as a person, and an orator, he was without peer.
“A beautiful kind man gone far too soon.”
Labour MP Deborah Russell said Collins was a “man with a big generous heart and soul, and a huge desire to do the best for people. He had so much to give and he gave it freely”.