https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/510485/fa-anana-efeso-collins-crowds-gather-for-larger-than-life-leader-s-funeral
The late Green Party MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins has been remembered as “larger than life” at a service in South Auckland.
The 49-year-old husband and father-of-two died on 21 February after collapsing during a charity even in Auckland’s central city.
Fa’anānā’s unexpected death came as a shock to many, with his aiga – including wife Fia and daughters Kaperiela and Asalemo – saying he was “the anchor of our tight-knit family”.
Politicians and members of the public, including school students, are among those attending Fa’anānā’s funeral at Due Drop Event Centre in Manukau from 1pm on Thursday.
Many of the guests are dressed in traditional Pacific clothing, and a gospel choir sang as the crowd filled the room.
Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw and Labour leader Chris Hipkins in the crowd at Fa’anānā Efeso Collins’ funeral. Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
To start the service, poet Karlo Mila read a poem that finished: “You become the ancestor we always knew you were.”
Family spokesman Taito Eddie Tuiavii then gave a formal greeting in Samoan, paying tribute to Fa’anānā and his villages.
He described Fa’anānā as “larger than life”.
It was an “indescribable feeling” to mourn the loss of “our champion”, Tuiavii said.
“His death spanned social, political, cultural, religious, ethnic and geographical boundaries.”
Reverend Unasa Uesifili Unasa said a prayer, asking God: “Give us clarity of mind and singleness of heart.”
The crowd was then asked to stand to sing a praise song, accompanied by guitars.
Those without good singing voices were told: “Be like Efeso, pick whatever key you want and go for gold.”
A Bible reading followed, covering the story of the transfiguration – the moment that Jesus revealed his divine glory to some of his disciplines – from the Gospel of Mark.
Fa’anānā’s sisters then took the stage to share stories from his life.
As a child, Fa’anānā was known as ‘Bopper’, his sister Jemima said. Growing up in Ōtara, he loved playing and watching cricket.
Mourners embrace at the Due Drop Events Centre. Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
“We didn’t have much growing up in Ōtara, but we were raised with an abundance of love, and that made us pretty rich.”
Fa’anānā preferred watching the TV news to children’s programmes and loved trivia.
He attended Auckland Grammar School for just two weeks, before deciding to leave due to “racist comments”, his sister said. He then transferred to “the mighty” Tangaroa College before going on to Auckland University.
Fa’anānā always had “a deep friendship with Jesus”, the crowd heard.
“Efeso was able to reach so many people because of his relationship with Jesus.”
Jemima signed off by saying: “Manuia lau malaga (rest in peace), Bopper. Until we meet in the clouds.”
Among the people at the funeral are Green Party co-leaders Marama Davidson and James Shaw, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins, and National’s Gerry Brownlee, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi.
Fa’anānā’s wife and daughters are wearing the dresses they wore at Parliament earlier this month, when Fa’anānā gave his maiden speech as an MP.
Tipene Funerals said: “With large numbers anticipated please arrive early to secure parking and be seated by 12.30pm for a 1pm start.
“Be advised, traffic management will be in place.”
Photo: RNZ/Nick Monro
