Members of Parliament and other political leaders are paying emotional tributes to Green MP Efeso Collins, who died after collapsing at a charity event in Auckland on Wednesday morning.
Collins had been taking part in the ChildFund Water Run event in Britomart to help raise funds to support communities in the Pacific when he collapsed.
The 49-year-old was a former Auckland Mayoral candidate and a passionate advocate for the Pasifika community.
Tributes for Collins flowed quickly on social media following his death, with a number of MPs including his Green Party colleagues expressing shock and devastation.
One of the first to share their thoughts was Labour MP Shanan Halbert, who said on X (formerly Twitter): "Going right back to Dream Fono days at UoA [University of Auckland], I was always driven by his aspiration and hope for our rangatahi. Moe mai ra."
New Zealand First leader and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters described Collins' death as "untimely and tragic", adding his thoughts are with the grieving family and friends.
The Green Party released a statement that shared their collective "shock and sadness" at the passing of their friend and colleague.
"We are absolutely devastated. A beautiful family has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community leader. The news today has come as a profound shock to everyone, and our absolute priority is to Efeso's wife and young girls," the party statement reads.
"Aotearoa and the Green Party have lost one of the kindest, most dedicated champions of fairness and equality.
"Efeso devoted his life to serving and making a difference to the lives of those he met, including his constituents, colleagues, friends, and family. He held the deepest respect of the members of all political parties and communities.
"We will continue to aspire to the dedication and commitment Efeso showed to always put the greater good above our own. He showed us what that means every single day. We will miss Efeso dearly, but celebrate with gratitude the contribution he has made to Aotearoa."
The Labour Party were next to officially express their grief and condolences at the news, with former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins issuing a statement saying: "I first met Efeso when he was President of the Auckland Student Association in 1999. We connected because of shared values, a love for New Zealand as a country that supports and embraces all people.
"Efeso was a member of the Labour Party for a long time and stood for the Party several times. I have deep respect for him and his politics and am saddened by the news today."
Deputy Labour Leader Carmel Sepuloni added: "Many of us worked or studied with Efeso over several decades. Efeso was a passionate advocate for our community and a role model for the people of South Auckland and New Zealand's Pacific community.
"We are thinking of Efeso's wife and his two beautiful daughters, his wider whānau, friends and community. The loss of this courageous man will be felt by so man. This has deeply affected us as a Labour Party, our Pacific caucus members and MPs across Parliament."
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced he is saddened at Collins' passing, saying in a statement: "I am truly shocked and saddened at the news of Efeso Collins' sudden death.
"Efeso was a good man, always friendly and kind, and a true champion and advocate for his Samoan and South Auckland communities.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his family, his community and colleagues."
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said it was a "sad day" for the city, adding: "He was a good man; my heart goes out to his family. Efeso is someone I had a lot of respect for. The former Manukau ward councillor will be greatly missed by the Governing Body, and many people across the wider council family.
"He was a bold Pacific leader and champion for South Auckland, as well as a fierce and respectful opponent on the campaign trail for the Auckland mayoralty. Although we competed for the mayoralty, we actually became quite good friends and were very respectful of each other."
Auckland Council chief executive Phil Wilson said the council is "reeling" from the news, calling Collins a "passionate and inspiring leader" whose "contribution to local government and connection to the Auckland Council will forever be remembered".
"Our heartfelt condolences go to Fia and the girls, and their wider aiga, we are here for you. He will be remembered as a champion for Pasifika communities across Tāmaki Makaurau and a fierce advocate for those he represented in south Auckland. He was a truly good person and a valued colleague."
Meanwhile at a press conference on Wednesday morning, outgoing Green Party co-leader James Shaw honoured his friend with an emotional description of his "beautiful" personality.
"My experience of him is that he truly was the most beautiful man with an orientation of love. He was deeply committed and steadfast in what he believed in and stood for and championed," said Shaw.
"He did it all with a sense of grace and love... He was a truly family-oriented man, and he was only able to be here with the support of his family. He did everything he could to be a leader in his community and to do right by his family and do everything he could to support them."
Hutt South MP, National's Chris Bishop, said Parliament "is in shock" at Collins' passing.
"The House will sit today at 2pm when party leaders will make brief remarks paying tribute to Mr Collins. The House will then adjourn until Tuesday, February 27 as a mark of respect," he said.
