An intimate ceremony filled with singing, tears and laughter marked the opening of a new Pacific student space at the University of Aucklands Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui (General Library) dedicated to the late Green Party MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.
Fa'anānā died early last year while advocating at a charity event in Auckland.
Family, students and staff gathered for the blessing of the Fa'anānā Efeso Collins Space, described by his widow Vasa Fia Collins as "a great honor" for their family and communities across the region.
"It means this occasion, not just for our family, for my daughters, Kaperiela and Asalemo, but also for all of Tangata, ale Moana, for all of Pacific people so it signals that, we've come a long, long way, and that we belong here in these institutions."
A measina (taonga) in the form of a Samoan Siapo was dedicated to the space. The Siapo was designed by Vasa's brother Opeta Elika and hand crafted in Samoa, travelling the Pacifc Ocean to hang on the wall of this dedicated space.
Each pattern was designed from the motifs of Fa'anānā's Tatau (Samoan Traditional Tattoo for men) said Vasa.
Speaking to RNZ Pacific about what Fa'anānā would have thought of the space, Vasa said he would have been deeply moved.
"I think he'd be really shy and humbled. He would be speechless, with Efeso, he's always got something to say about everything. But I think if he had come into the space, seen the siapo, and understood the journey it took to bring it across the Pacific Ocean to this place. He wouldn't be able to have the words. He'd be in tears."
The siapo at the event was created in Samoa and brought to New Zealand for the event. Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel
Fa'anānā's own student journey was highlighted during the ceremony, from his upbringing in Ōtara as the youngest of six in a Samoan and Tokelau family, to his achievements at the university.
"Efeso didn't simply pass through this university, he shaped it. He loved this place, here he founded the Pacific Islands dream fonotaga program encouraging young Pacific learners to dream big and to pursue their dreams with courage. In 1999, he became the first Pacific president of AUSA (Auckland University Samoan Students Association). But let's be honest, if he were here, he'd tell you that all these."
Vasa also reflected on the challenges Pacific students face on campus, citing research that shows many do not feel the general library is a place where they belong. She had encouragement for students.
"I shared some research earlier from a friend of ours, Cathleen Hafu Fetokai, who talked about interviewing Pacific students who are here at the university, and that many of these Pacific learners did not name the general library as a place of belonging for them.
"My prayer is that having the Efeso Collins space is going to change that data, where our kids walk into this space and they feel accepted, they feel a sense of belonging and that they can celebrate all of who they are, their languages, their identities and their culture."
Auckland mayoral candidate Efeso Collins says he wants to see Auckland's postal voting system consigned to history and doesn’t think it helps voter turnout in areas like south Auckland. Photo: David White / STUFF
University of Auckland's pro vice-chancellor for Pacific Jemaima Tiatia said naming the space after Fa'anānā was a natural recognition of his impact.
"It was only fitting and appropriate for someone that had given his life as an undergrad student and a postgrad student to this university. He stood up for the voice that was not historically welcomed in these type of spaces, he'd served in so many ways, even beyond these halls and for that, we just thought, there's nothing more better that we could honor him with than to name him a space after him."
Behind the scenes, making sure the event and planning went smoothly was Pacific Engagement Lead for Learning and Library Services Fay Nanai , who said her 18-year-old self would have wanted a space like this.
"I remember not feeling like I belong University felt overwhelming, and I don't always believe I could achieve my dreams.
"I sometimes think about that 18-year-old me who would be cheering us on right now, because this is the kind of space we dreamed of, a space that says 'Your voice matters, your story is valued', and with the opening of the Fa'anānā Efeso Collins space, it says the opposite. It says you are seen you belong, and while you may not always fit, you definitely belong."
"This space is more than a space. It is a tribute to the life and legacy of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, grounded in values that shaped him, tautua and leadership and alofa, advocating and championing our people at every corner."