(Picture caption: Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti has paid tribute to Fa'anānā Efeso Collins in the House.)
Two months have passed since the sudden passing of Pacific champion, politician, and family man, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.
His absence is still felt deeply, across the country, at Parliament and particularly in his hometown of Ōtara in South Auckland.
At the time of Fa'anānā Efeso’s death which occurred while he was taking part in a charity event in Auckland, several Members of Parliament (MPs) paid tribute to him.
However, it was promised that time would be set aside for more formal recognition.
Last Tuesday, following Question Time at Parliament, representatives from all the political parties’ paid tribute to Fa'anānā Efeso, in front of his aiga, watching from the Gallery.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Dr Shane Reti was among the nine MPs who spoke about the 49-year-old Green MP and former Manukau Ward councillor, his impact he made as well as his life of service to Pacific communities. He describes Fa'anānā Efeso as being very much a man of the people, and a proud son of the Pacific.
Proud of his Samoan and Tokelauan heritage, Fa'anānā Efeso had an unwavering belief in the potential of Pacific communities, especially Pacific young peoples, and what they could achieve with the right attitude and support.
“Fa'anānā Efeso had an easy way with people of all walks of life, finding connection with them, no matter what their circumstances may have been,” Minister Reti says.
“He had a special way with words that allowed people to feel important and heard.
“He was unapologetically proud to be brown, and makes up what his ancestors could only have dreamt their mokopuna could achieve one day.
“Although his full potential will never be known, he is in many ways the migrant’s dream come true - and serves as an inspiration of what our Pacific young people have the potential to become.
“What has always stood out to me about Fa'anānā Efeso, was his ability to be his true authentic self at all times, whether it was here in the House, or out and about in his beloved South Auckland.
“He always spoke his voice; he challenged people, and he commanded change where he believed it was needed.”
The Minister adds, despite leaving us too soon, Fa'anānā Efeso, lives on through his wife and children, the Pacific youth who he held close to his heart, and in the communities he dedicated his life to advocating for.