Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
Hon JAMES SHAW (Co-Leader—Green):
[Samoan text to be inserted by the Hansard Office.]
Today, we say goodbye to an extraordinary man: a man of service who believed that his life’s work was to deliver a better life for those who followed, a proud son of the Pacific, a community leader, a father, a husband, a brother.
To Efeso’s beloved family—his wife, Fia, and their two daughters: you gave him strength and purpose and joy and friendship and love and support. The thoughts of everyone here and around Aotearoa are with you.
I’d like to pass on our gratitude to the staff and the volunteers of ChildFund. Your work meant so much to him and I know that you will feel his loss deeply.
To those who cared for Efeso this morning: thank you. We know that you did everything that you could for him, and we are grateful.
One of the first things that you notice about Efeso is his graciousness, his huge smile, and his reassuring voice. He was joyful, he was funny, he was kind, and thoughtful. He conducted himself quietly and kindly and gracefully. He worked to change not by forcing his ideas on others, but by listening and seeking out ideas from others. He was a man full of empathy, a man who knew that the first step towards change is an open heart, a man who embodied the idea that our work here is to serve the communities that we represent; to be their voice for change.
Efeso Collins was a good man. He was called to come to Parliament because of what he could see of the worsening poverty, the inadequate incomes, the profound inequities that affect and shape Pacific communities that he came from. Aotearoa needed him. We needed him. Every day that Efeso came to work, I know that he carried the expectation of his South Auckland community. It was a responsibility that he wore solemnly, but he also made it look easy—fun, even.
Six days ago, standing right here in this House, Efeso Collins delivered his maiden speech. It must also now serve as his valedictory. He spoke of his journey here. He spoke of his love for his family, and that evening, Efeso was joined in celebration by some of his closest friends and family. There’s a photo from the evening which captures one of Efeso’s daughters dancing in full Samoan dress. Behind her, slightly out of focus, is her proud father, our friend, with the biggest—the biggest—smile on his face. To his girls: your dad will be your Valentines forever.
None of us can ever know how long we’re going to be here. All we can do is to live our lives as best we can, with purpose, with love and joy; to use each day to show those closest to us how much we love and care about them; to treat others with respect and kindness; and to strive to make the world a better place. Efeso showed us what that means every single day, and the best way to honour him is to follow his example.
Fa’anānā Efeso Collins led a life full of love. He showed us how each moment, each day, each choice we make, is an act of love. Closing his maiden speech, Efeso said, “Love is an act of courage, not fear; love is a commitment to others. No matter where the oppressed are found, the act of love is a commitment to their cause, the cause of liberation.”
Ia manuia lau malaga. Farewell on your journey, my friend.
