Efeso Collins’ ‘aiga pay tribute to ‘the anchor of our tight-knit family’
Thursday, 22 February 2024
Efeso Collins died on Wednesday while taking part in a charity event.
The Green MP was 49 years old.
A former Auckland councillor, he ran for the city’s mayoralty in 2022 before joining the Greens.
The ‘aiga (family) of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins are “devastated at our loss”, and have paid tribute to him in a first public statement about the MP’s death.
There has been a huge outpouring of grief and aroha for Collins, who collapsed while taking part in the ChildFund Water Fun event at Britomart in central Auckland on Wednesday.
In a statement late Thursday, the family expressed their gratitude for all the support they have been shown.
“Fia, Kaperiela, Asalemo and the wider aiga are humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of support at Efeso’s passing,” they said.
“Efeso was the anchor of our tight-knit family and we are devastated at our loss.
“We have been inundated with generous offers of support. Anyone who knew Efeso, knew that his daughters were at the heart of everything he did. They were his inspiration and drive.”
The ‘aiga were now undertaking funeral preparations.
A close family friend, Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli, described Collins as a “rare diamond” and a “great leader”.
“Fa'anānā Efeso Collins was a great leader who lived to serve others, to the very last breath. He will be missed by so many across multiple communities,” she said.
“Efeso was a rare diamond, an intellectual thinker, who was kind, generous, passionate and humble. He could engage across sectors, making youth gangs and millionaires alike feel at ease in his presence.
“He was my dear friend and 'Lil bro' who inspired me and all who knew him to do better, to fight harder and speak louder for social change.”
Fuli said her heart went out to his wife, Fia, and their “beautiful” girls who lost their “cherished dad and husband”.
“Efeso was the best of us, a giant amongst us, whose impact on our lives will remain forever. Manuia lou malaga, la'u tuagane Pele.”
A Givealittle has been set up for the whānau, which can be found here.