New Green Party MP Fa'anānā Efeso Collins is being remembered by party leader Marama Davidson as "a beautiful man" who loved his family and Pacific community deeply.
At a public memorial on Thursday, an emotional Davidson began by saying there had never been a speech she did not wish to give more, but also called it "one of the biggest honours for my whānau and the Green Party".
Collins, 49, died suddenly last week after he collapsed during a charity event in Auckland.
Hundreds of people, including top politicians, attended a public service celebrating his life at Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau on Thursday.
Collins leaves behind his wife Fia and daughters Kaperiela and Asalemo.
Davidson's speech was full of laughs and heartbreak as she paid tribute to her colleague and friend since university.
"Fia and the girls are Efeso's whole purpose," she said.
"His whānau were the constant bullseye of his inspiration."
Davidson said Collins advocacy always had his wife and family at the centre.
"Fia, may we all wrap around you and the girls, not just for now but for your lives."
She remembered Collins' work as a fierce advocate for Pacific people.
"Above all, the Green Party cherished his pride for his Samoan and Tokelauan whakapapa," Davidson said.
"His vision for the intergenerational uprising of Pasifika peoples is what gave him his sharp political tongue to speak truth to power, to challenge - to challenge with kindness and humanity and warmth, yes always, but with a clear critique of power, injustice, oppression and privilege.
"Efeso was on an unapologetic mission to overhaul the current systems of hierarchy that continue to do wrong, especially to our people. He sought self-determination for Pacific peoples and we all have that mahi to carry on."
Many of those gathered to remember the respected politician wore traditional Pacific clothing.
"Efeso, you have somehow managed to put my husband and children in full uniform for the first time ever and we are all here to love you," Davidson said, spurring laughs from those gathered.
"My friend, my brother Fes, what I wouldn't give to hug you close and long right now, even just one more time.
"You beautiful man, I love you always. Fia, Kaperiela and Asalemo. I love you and always will."
