Mourners gathered in droves for the funeral of Green MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins, who died suddenly last week.
Tears and laughter were shared at today's service, after the 49-year-old collapsed and died at a charity run in Auckland's Britomart last Wednesday.
A photo slideshow began the service with images of Collins with his family and friends. It also included photos from Collins' time as a Green MP and his 2022 run for Auckland mayor.
Award-winning poet Karlo Mila read a poem that described Collins' upbringing and the impact of his service to his community.
Family spokesperson Taito Eddie Tuiavii told attendees that a "mighty totara" had fallen and that the impact of its falling spanned several boundaries.
Politicians, community leaders and Pasifika were among those who celebrated Collins on Thursday. (Source: 1News)
"[Collins'] smile lit up the places and spaces he journeyed.
"It still does that today," he said, looking up at the picture of Collins on the screen.
Tuiavii also referenced Collins' maiden speech in Parliament, telling those gathered that it was an "indescribable feeling" to address them today, just as Collins had told the House.
Reverend Uesifili Unasa then led the service in prayer before Tuiaviii introduced the praise team to lead congregational singing.
"If you’re not the singing kind, don’t worry, be like Efeso, just pick whatever key you like and go for gold,” Tuiaviii said to laughter from the audience.
Reverend Tala Fa’amausili then read Mark 9:2-13 of the Bible, which describes the reveal of the true identity of Jesus to three of his disciples.
Efeso's wife Vasa Fia Collins told those who gathered: "I am an ordinary woman who married an extraordinary man."
Joined at the podium by her two daughters, she said that Efeso was "born to lead" and that she knew early on that she would have to share her husband with the world.
"He treated me like a queen every single moment we were together.
"A true gentleman — always serving our needs before his own."
She urged the crowd to not let his work go to waste.
"He made me a better woman and drew out the best in me — but he did that for everyone."
Efeso's sister Jemimah reflected on their childhood together, remembering trips to Mission Bay and driving around with their "hard-working" taxi-driver father as he worked.
"We didn't have much growing up in Ōtara, but we had an abundance of love, and that made us pretty rich."
She said there had been a "profound outpouring" of love and comfort for the family.
"There are no words adequate enough to express our sincere gratitude."
Efeso's sister Millie Collins-Faoagali included an acrostic poem in her eulogy.
"E is for extravagant… an extravagant lover of life to laugh and give. Raised by a charismatic dad and hard working mother. Our family's golden boy.
"F is for faithful…
"E… extraordinary
"S … I had to put in two words , he's spontaneous and sunshine. He was my mum and dad's sunshine. To his family and friends he was a superstar."
Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson, joined at the podium by the party's MPs, told attendees that being asked to speak was "one of the biggest honours".
"Efeso was part of the change that Aotearoa deserves, and the weight of this loss selfishly feels too big to bear."
She described him as "brilliant in his intelligence, humour, activism, generosity, and power".
"You already brought your voice for South Auckland and Pasifika communities to the big house… my friend, my brother Fes, what I wouldn't give to hug you close right now, even just one more time you beautiful man. I love you always," Davidson said.
1News journalist Indira Stewart also spoke at the funeral and told attendees that Collins had a "far and wide-reaching" impact on the New Zealand media landscape.
"We have lost one of the most impactful Pacific voices of a generation."
In the media space, he was a "huge advocate" for the Pacific community, she said.
"Tributes this week have painted a picture of a man — with all due respect to the politicians here today — whose impact in his own community on the ground and beyond seemed greater than what most Members of Parliament today may ever accomplish in their entire political careers."
Politicians from across the spectrum attended the event at the Due Drop Event Centre in Manukau. This included Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Chris Hipkins, with other Labour MPs.
The Green Party caucus arrived as a group led by co-leaders James Shaw and Marama Davidson. Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Rawiri Waititii and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer were also in attendance.
Those in attendance for National included Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Dr Shane Reti, Tama Potaka, and speaker of the house Gerry Brownlee.
Inside the centre, Collins' casket was surrounded by flower bouquets, with white roses placed on top.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, family spokesperson Taito Eddie Tuiavii said, "It’s been a long week", and Efeso's wife and daughters were "exhausted".
"While we appreciate the time to share and to witness and to experience the incredible outpouring of aroha, it’s been a devastating week.”
Since Collins' death, "droves" of people visited Tipene Funerals to pay their respects to the politician, who was lying in state there.
Tuiavii said the family had “no words” to describe their appreciation for the tributes and love expressed since his tragic death.
Tuiavii said that there will be a lot of tears but there will be plenty of laughs as well.
“Even in our grief, I can tell you that we’ve pivoted to hyena laughs,” he said.
The New Zealand flag will be flown at half-mast today on Government and public buildings, the Ministry for Arts, Culture and Heritage said.
The last MP to die in office was Labour's Parekura Horomaia, who died in 2013 after an illness.
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