Efeso Collins - Gone Too Soon.
A man of great service who believed in a better world.
My wife’s breathing was heavy beside me as I woke this morning, still dark. Yesterday, and it’s awful news, came crashing into my head and I lay there quietly crying.
Thinking of Efeso’s family and loved ones. Of so many people who knew him and were devastated by the shocking news. How they too would be waking soon, with the awful truth crashing in on them of what happened.
It’s his smile that gets me.
Every report or article there he is, his face so friendly and warm. The quiet confidence and the positivity that good things can be achieved, there in his eyes. His demeanour so humble, belying the enormous strength and mana of the man.
Yesterday morning I was writing about the departure of Grant Robertson, thinking about what an awful time in our country it felt. Especially for those of us on the left.
Many are feeling helpless with regular announcements from our government that all seem to be about making life harder, less enjoyable, for those with the least. Seeing people like Grant, and before him James Shaw, announce that they are going has made it feel particularly hard.
But this was something altogether different. The death of Efeso Collins has brought back memories of the shocking losses of Rod Donald and of Norm Kirk, other sitting MPs to pass suddenly and far too soon from us.
It may seem strange to some to compare the loss of a new MP, one who had only given his maiden speech a week before, with a Prime Minister and a Party co-Leader. But such was the regard that Efeso was held in, the impression that he made on people, that everyone knew he was destined to achieve more.
Had he lived I think in time he would’ve become a Cabinet Minister in the next left wing government, and quite possibly a future co-leader of the Green Party.
But Efeso’s passing is not something to compare with a resignation or a change in government. I don’t want to attach any symbolism to the death of this great man. Other than perhaps to say, that as I was lying there in the dark, it occurred to me that maybe his heart had simply given so much love, more than an entire lifetime’s worth, that it had done its job.
But that’s nonsense of course. Efeso’s heart had so much more love to give.
The first report came through without much detail. Just that the new MP had been taking part in a fun run for charity. It mentioned Efeso having completed the run and having a laugh with people before collapsing. I assumed he’d be ok, although a bit in the report about screens being used leaped out at me as not sounding good.
An hour later came the shocking news that this young man, despite the best efforts of the emergency people who tried so desperately to help him, had gone.
I couldn’t believe it. The news rippled around social media, people were in absolute shock. How could this remarkable man be gone from us, at just 49?
This newsletter isn’t really about politics, some things are more important. But I would just say that I thought Efeso’s mayoral campaign 18 months ago was incredibly courageous. Up against an array of unpleasant candidates who wanted to argue things out in the gutter Collins stuck to his principles and warmly and patiently put the case for the things that he knew his community needed.
I don’t want to revisit the ructions that lead to Efeso and the Labour Party parting ways, but I was delighted that he found a home in the Greens and was excited to see what he would contribute to the party.
A clearly emotional James Shaw read out a statement. Watching him I was proud of the way he conducted himself, making it clear that Efeso’s family and their wishes were paramount. He was as sensitive and compassionate as you would expect from James. More than ever I wished he was staying.
In the time since the announcement many have expressed their great sadness. I see that those in my community of West Auckland who knew him are feeling such a tremendous loss.
Dave Letele, aka the Brown Buttabean, who was at the event said, “We're here for an amazing cause... and the bro was giving his time. It's just an incredibly sad day. I believe Efeso, his impact was only just beginning now with the Green Party and being in Parliament.”
He said that Collins represented hope to many, “that it is possible to come from where we come from and be a success.”
Of the articles that I’ve read I’d recommend Simon Wilson’s piece here, which I’m glad to see the Herald has not paywalled. Obviously this newsletter is not paywalled either. The article ends with the following:
Sa e finau ia manuia Aukilani, ma ia manuia o tatou tagata. O se galuega sa e tumau pea i ai. O le a matou manatua pea oe. Manuia lau malaga, Fes.
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.
Following the announcement from James Shaw the Labour Party also held a press conference, with Chippy, Carmel and their Pasifika caucus.
It was also very moving. I was glad that Chippy handed things over to Carmel, I thought she spoke incredibly well. Chippy was clearly very moved too, as James had been in his announcement earlier.
I know I said this wasn’t going to be about politics but seeing Chippy and Carmel together, at such a time, made me think there was a lot to like about that leadership combination.
Many others have shared their thoughts:
Very sad news from Auckland where NZ Green MP Efeso Collins has died after collapsing at a charity run. Deepest condolences to Efeso’s family & colleagues. Efeso will be remembered for his strong sense of social justice & fairness. RIP - Helen Clark.
Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, it was an honour to work with you. My heart goes out to your wife and daughters, and mother. You are an inspiration to me - especially to approach others with humility, to love more and to appreciate every minute we have here - Julie Anne Genter.
Man of faith, proud & loving Dad & husband, student leader, son of the Pacific & the South, total crack up when most needed, proudly political, seeker of justice, hard on issues but kind on people. So much of the best in one person - Arohanui Fa’anana Efeso Collins - Michael Wood.
A powerful tribute on the steps of Parliament this afternoon. “We must do better to lift aspirations and the lived reality of all our people.” - Fa'anānā Efeso Collins. Arohanui to Efeso’s family, and everyone that he touched in his full, passionate and compassionate life - Glen Bennett.
In the house the usual events were cancelled as MPs shared their thoughts. Efeso’s seat in the parliament, empty.
Take care all of you lovely people as you try to come to terms with the shock, the great unfairness, and the tragedy of losing Efeso.
I’m sure he will be in our thoughts at important moments for years to come. We will wonder what he would’ve made of things, and remember his humble grin and his overwhelming desire to do good things for people.
For the moment thoughts and love are very much with those who will so painfully be feeling his absence.
We will miss you Efeso - thank you for inspiring us with your example of service and your belief that better things are possible.
A selfless hero, may we all follow his shining example and strive for a world where we fight for those less fortunate than ourselves. Manuia Lou Malaga 🤍
You said it all perfectly Nick. Only the day before, I had been reviewing his maiden speech and thinking that we did have good humans coming through the ranks in parliament. It was uplifting after knowing we were losing some good ones like James and Grant. It was such a shock and a loss of so much he could have brought to the country at a national level. He just lit people up.