Efeso Collins was a New Zealand politician serving as a Green Party Member of Parliament from October 2023 to February 2024. Prior to this role, he held the position of Manukau ward councillor on Auckland Council from 2016 to 2022. In 2022, he stepped down from his council position and ran unsuccessfully in the Auckland mayoral election.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 49 years
Height-N/A
Weight-N/A
Born- 1974 or 1975
Birthplace-Auckland, New Zealand
Death date- 21 February 2024
Spouse- Fia
Profession-Politician, Member of the New Zealand Parliament
Nationality- New Zealand
Cause of Death
This morning, Green MP Efeso Collins, aged 49, tragically passed away after collapsing at a charity event. Emergency services swiftly responded to attend to the first-term MP following his collapse, which occurred during a ChildFund charity event in Auckland’s Britomart. Witnesses described emotional scenes as medical assistance was administered to Collins. An organizer confirmed Collins’ passing, noting his dedication to community service. The cause of his death is attributed to collapsing during the event.
“He seemed in such good spirits, and it was all very quick… It’s devastating that this has happened but I think he’s died doing something for a good cause.”
Collins was reportedly in high spirits and joking just moments before he collapsed. In a statement, police confirmed the death.
“Police assisted Hato Hone St John staff after a man suffered a medical event at Te Komititanga, off lower Queen Street,” a spokesperson said. “Sadly, despite medical assistance we can confirm the man has died at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident this morning.”
Family
Collins’ parents are Tauiliili Sio Collins and Lotomau Collins. His father worked as a bus driver and served as a pastor in the Pentecostal Church, while his mother held jobs as a factory worker and cleaner.
Wife
In 2011, Collins tied the knot with Fia, who specializes in diversity and inclusion. The couple welcomed two daughters into their family.
Education
He enrolled in East Tamaki Primary School and Ferguson Intermediate School during his early education. After a brief period at Auckland Grammar School, he transferred to Tangaroa College. Continuing his academic journey, he pursued education at the University of Auckland, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1997, followed by a Master of Arts in 1999.
Career
After completing his academic studies, Collins engaged in both scholarly and teaching roles at Auckland University, contributing to four published works. In 1999, he achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Polynesian president of the Auckland University Students’ Association, advocating for student interests on the Auckland University Council. Transitioning into various positions within education and public service, Collins demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community welfare. His political journey began in 2013 with his election to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, where he later assumed the role of chairperson. Despite an unsuccessful bid for the Labour party candidacy in 2014, he continued his civic engagement, ultimately securing a seat on the Auckland Council representing the Manukau ward in the 2016 elections, a position he retained through his reelection in 2019.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2021, Collins advocated for amnesty for visa overstayers to facilitate COVID-19 testing within Pasifika communities. His advocacy work extended to addressing personal challenges, notably disclosing a death threat against his family in June 2021, triggered by his critique of TVNZ’s Police Ten 7 program. Despite adversity, Collins remained committed to public service, culminating in his mayoral bid for Auckland in January 2022. He garnered endorsements from both the Labour and Green Parties, emphasizing fare-free public transport as a core campaign issue. Although his mayoral bid ended in defeat, Collins persisted in his political journey, joining the Green Party in February 2023 as their candidate for Panmure-Ōtāhuhu and securing a parliamentary seat through the Green Party list despite placing third in the electorate. Tragically, his dedicated service came to an untimely end with his passing on February 21, 2024, while serving as a Member of Parliament.
Net Worth
At the time of his passing, Efeso Collins had an estimated net worth of 5 million.
