'An authentic, genuine, warm man': Flood of tributes for Fa'anānā Efeso Collins

Politicians from across the spectrum are offering tributes for the life and contribution of Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins who died suddenly in Auckland on Wednesday morning.

The news has brought Parliament to a standstill - leaving the Greens caucus - in particular - in a state of disbelief and deep sadness.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said: "I am truly shocked and saddened at the news of Efeso Collins' sudden death".

"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."

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Greens co-leader James Shaw became emotional during a press conference, saying he, along with other Green members, were devastated.

Fa'anānā's loss would be felt across the political divide, he said.

"It was clear he had respect across the House."

Shaw said Fa'anānā's ability to talk about love in the House "spoke volumes to me".

He was "the most beautiful man" and Shaw was hopeful Pasifika people would be inspired by Fa'anānā's example to enter both local body and national politics.

"In many ways Efeso's political career was only just beginning. He was such an authentic, genuine, warm man who had respect for everyone. It's a model of politics that I aspire to and I hope more people will live up to that standard."

Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni said she had known Fa'anānā for decades, studying and working alongside him.

Labour was "incredibly saddened" and her thoughts were with Fa'anānā's wife and two daughters.

"His voice, his advocacy was one of the strongest, I believe, in Aotearoa for our Pacific community."

He had moved out of Labour's fale into the Greens, but he was only next door, Sepuloni said.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he remembered looking at him and thinking he was going to go far and that he was "one to watch".

Fa'anānā was very clear in his values and who he was and it was a tragedy he had died just weeks into his first term in Parliament.

One of Fa'anānā's last messages was to Labour's new finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds to congratulate her. She broke down in tears at the media briefing.

Former prime minister Helen Clark said on X: "Efeso will be remembered for his strong sense of social justice and fairness."

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer opened in te reo Māori before offering the party's condolences for the "devastating loss" to his family and communities.

"We are so grateful for their generosity in sharing him with us, and we can only imagine the gap that he leaves for his whānau, his loved Samoan Pacific community."

She said he often wanted to listen, and speak last.

"I'd like to say that his time here may have been short but the impact of his legacy certainly was felt. And I want to hold onto that beautiful memory that he has shared with us."

ACT leader David Seymour agreed Fa'anānā was liked and would be missed by both sides of the House.

He said Fa'anānā was "a passionate, articulate, and charismatic advocate for south Auckland".

Health leader Sir Collin Tukuitonga said he was in a state of shock at the loss of a man who was "on the same mission" as other Pacific leaders.

"It's absolutely devastating for his family, for the Pasifika community, for NZ and beyond."

He said Pasifika people could not afford to lose an outstanding man who was "ethical, strong, community minded".

"It feels like a sudden stop in someone who has already had a big impact."

Health and Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti said he was deeply saddened.

"Fa'anānā Efeso was a pillar of our communities, particularly the Pacific community and his hometown, South Auckland's Ōtara.

"Fa'anānā Efeso worked hard to serve all communities for many years, dedicating his time in both local and more recently in national politics to progress issues he was passionate about, particularly supporting young people to realise their potential."

He was among many offering condolences to Fa'anānā's widow and two daughters.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown who defeated Fa'anānā in the mayoral race in 2022 said Fa'anānā's death was a sad day for the city.

"He is someone I had a lot of respect for, and although we competed for the mayoralty, we actually became quite good friends."

Leader of the House Chris Bishop said all of Parliament was in deep shock and after tributes this afternoon, it would adjourn until 27 February as a mark of respect.

Speaking in Parliament, Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer offered the party's condolences for the "devastating loss" to his family and communities.

"We are so grateful for their generosity in sharing him with us, and we can only imagine the gap that he leaves for his whānau, his loved Samoan Pacific community."

She said he often wanted to listen, and speak last.

"I'm not sure if he was shocked with his neighbours or sitting there in awe, but I do have to wonder if he was going to come to another door having left from Labour to the Greens, to Te Pāti Māori. It was feeling that way, because his love was just so genuine you thought you were the only ones receiving that love," Ngarewa-Packer said.

"I'd like to say that his time here may have been short but the impact of his legacy certainly was felt. And I want to hold onto that beautiful memory that he has shared with us."

Some politicians paid tributes on social media platform X.

Winston Peters said: "Thoughts are with Efeso Collins' family and friends with his untimely and tragic passing today."

Labour's new finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said: "'Go now in peace to love and serve the Lord'. Manuia lau malaga brother"

Labour MP Shanan Halbert said: "Going right back to Dream Fono days at UoA, I was always driven by his aspiration and hope for our rangatahi. Moe mai ra ... Absolutely heart breaking."

Lower Hutt mayor Barry Campbell said: "Shocked and devastated to hear the heart breaking news of (Fa'anānā) passing this morning. Just a few weeks ago in Waitangi we were talking about his inspiring plans as a new MP who understands Local Govt. Sending [love] to all of Efeso's whanau, friends and colleagues."

Former Ilam MP Sarah Pallett said: "Devastating news about Efeso Collins. We have lost a truly good man, both inside and outside politics. My heart breaks for his loved ones Moe mai rā."

Auckland councillor Shane Henderson said: "Heartbreaking news, taken too soon, RIP my friend :("

Another Auckland councillor Richard Hills said: "Everyone's shell shocked about Efeso. I honestly don't want to believe it. His poor whānau. Devastated for Fia and his girls. He loved them so much, and he spoke about them at every opportunity. I can't even comprehend this. A life of service until the end."

Leo Molloy, who also ran against Efeso Collins for a time during the Auckland mayoralty in 2022, said: "Thoughts & prayers to Efeso Collins' family. I happened to attend today to support my dear friend Buttabean. 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."

Community leader and foodbank operator David Letele was with Fa'anānā Efeso Collins when the tragedy unfolded this morning

He told RNZ's Checkpoint they had just finished the prizegiving at the event and everyone was laughing together before Fa'anānā fell to the ground.

"Everyone was in good spirits, we were there for a great cause, fighting for the Pacific as he always does.

"We've lost a champion for our community."

He said it was not a strenuous race, and they were just walking around a short course, with no signs that anything was wrong.

Letele said he stayed with Fa'anānā as emergency crews worked to try and revive him.

"I just wanted to make sure there was plenty of prayer around him."