REMEMBERING FA'ANĀNĀ EFESO COLLINS: A LEGACY OF SERVICE AND INSPIRATION
Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, a prominent figure in the Pacific community and Greens MP, leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to service and his dedication to empowering others. (Photo: Supplied)
In the wake of his sudden passing, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, a prominent figure in the Pacific community and Greens MP, leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to service and his dedication to empowering others. At 49 years old, Fa'anānā's impact reached far beyond his political roles, touching the lives of countless individuals in disadvantaged communities, both in New Zealand and beyond.
Described as a man with a "big heart of service," Fa'anānā embodied the essence of the Samoan proverb, 'o le ala i le pule o le tautua' - the pathway to leadership is through service. Throughout his life, he tirelessly advocated for those who were marginalized and underserved, earning him the admiration and respect of his peers and constituents alike.
Fa'anānā's journey into leadership began early, with his election as the first Polynesian president of the Auckland University Students' Association in the late 1990s. From there, he continued to serve his community in various capacities, eventually entering national Parliament as a Greens MP. However, his impact extended far beyond the political sphere; he was a beloved father, husband, brother, and friend, who placed his family at the center of everything he did.
His sudden death sent shockwaves throughout the region, particularly in South Auckland, where he had spent most of his life serving others. Health leader Sir Collin Tukuitonga lamented the loss, describing Fa'anānā as a rare gem within the Pacific community - ethical, strong, and deeply committed to his community's well-being.
Fa'anānā's legacy of service and dedication to empowering youth was especially profound in South Auckland, where he served three terms on the local board and as a ward councillor. He was a mentor and inspiration for many young people, encouraging them to aspire for leadership roles and challenging them to overcome barriers.
In Ōtara, where Fa'anānā was born, raised, and served his community, his loss was deeply felt. Community members mourned the passing of a humble man who had risen from South Auckland to Parliament, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, a Samoan politician, paid tribute to Fa'anānā with a heartfelt Facebook post, honoring his legacy as a champion for the Pacific community. Schmidt reflected on Fa'anānā's journey from grassroots activism to national leadership, highlighting his resilience and dedication to equality. Schmidt emphasized that Fa'anānā's legacy would endure not only in the policies he advocated for but also in the hearts he inspired.
As his family, friends, and constituents come to terms with his passing, they take solace in the knowledge that Fa'anānā's spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the profound impact he had on his community. Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy of service and dedication to others will endure as a testament to his remarkable life and the values he held dear.