Party leaders from across the political spectrum have paid tribute in Parliament to Green MP Efeso Collins who died suddenly this morning.
Collins, 49, a first term MP who gave his maiden speech just last week, died after collapsing at a charity event in Auckland this morning.
Emergency services rushed to treat him after he collapsed at a charity event for ChildFund at Britomart.
It was later confirmed he had died.
Parliament was due to set and pursue its legislative agenda but instead leaders briefly spoke about Collins before the House rose. It will remain that way until Tuesday next week, forgoing two sitting days out of respect for the MP, who is the first MP to die in office since Labour's Parekura Horomia in 2013.
Outgoing Greens co-leader James Shaw was the first leader to speak, saying Parliament would say goodbye to "an extraordinary man".
He said Collins was "a man of service", a proud son of the Pacific, a community leader, a father, a husband and a brother.
"To Efeso's beloved family ... you gave him strength and purpose and joy and friendship and love and support."
Shaw also acknowledged those who had attended to Collins when he collapsed this morning at the ChildFund event.
"We know that you did everything that you could for him, and we are grateful."
Shaw said Collins was known for 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 was a man full of empathy. He was a man who knew the first step towards change was an open heart.
"Mr Speaker, Efeso Collins was a good man."
Shaw said Collins was called to Parliament "because of what he could see of the worsening poverty, the inadequate incomes, the profound inequities that affect and shape the Pacific communities that he came from.
"Aotearoa needed him. We needed him."
Shaw said Collins felt the expectations of his communities "solemnly" but wore it with good humour and made it look easy.
His maiden speech, given just last week, would serve as his valedictory also, Shaw said.
"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 with the biggest — the biggest — smile on his face.
"To his girls, your dad will be your Valentines forever."
Shaw said no one knew how long they would live but the best anyone could do was 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."
Shaw sniffed through his speech and fellow Green MPs Chlöe Swarbrick, Julie Ann Genter and Hūhana Lyndon could be seen weeping throughout.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke next, saying the National Party shared its thoughts and prayers with Collins' family as they experienced an "unspeakable loss".
Luxon said he first met Collins two years ago and had caught up recently and discussed the challenge of balancing family and work life in Parliament.
"Efeso was always so friendly, gracious, generous, kind, positive and collaborative, with a lovely sense of humour.
"He certainly lived by the words he uttered in his maiden speech, which was to lead with a spirit of peace and love and service. He was what I would call a true servant leader."
Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins said Collins' death was "tragic and sudden" making his death all the more acutely felt.
"He lived and breathed public service."
He said Collins could break tension with "just a few words", bring people together "effortlessly" and convey complex ideas in a way that "captivated peoples' imaginations".
Hipkins gave the balance of his time to Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni, who was a good friend of Collins.
"Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, you fought the good fight, you finished the race, and you remained faithful," she said.
Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said Collins' death was a "devastating loss" of their tungāne — brother.
"We can only imagine the gap that he leaves for his whānau, his loved Samoan / Pasifika community.
"His humility and desire to listen and speak last was felt."
Having visited the Green Party to offer support, she had been joined by some of Labour's caucus and with all three parties represented in the room as "one big caucus" had reflected "well, this is the first time you've brought us all together".
"His time here may have been short but the impact of his legacy, certainly, was felt."
Speaker Gerry Brownlee began proceedings, by saying it was his "sad duty" to formally inform the House of Collins' passing.
"I extend my sympathy and prayers to his family, aroha to them, and acknowledge his contriibution to the public life of New Zealand."
He said there would be an occasion in the "next few weeks" for MPs to pay tribute to Collins but, as today was a formal session, it would hear only from specified members, and a waiata would be sung, along with a moment's silence to pay respect to "our late colleague".
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