Ephiso Collins, a New Zealand-born Samoan, won a seat for East Auckland.
Wellington, New Zealand:
A 49-year-old New Zealand MP died suddenly while taking part in a charity fun run on Wednesday, colleagues said. Father-of-two Efeso Collins collapsed during a Water Run in Auckland for UNICEF, which provides clean drinking water to children in the Pacific.
The Green Party said in a statement that this was “a cause close to Efeso’s heart”. “The on-site medical team immediately rushed to Efeso’s rescue and made every effort to revive him.”
Condolences poured in from political friends and rivals.
“We are absolutely devastated,” Green Party co-leader James Shaw told reporters in Wellington parliament, his voice shaking with emotion.
“He believed deeply and unwaveringly in what he believed in, stood for and championed, but he did it all with a sense of grace.”
Collins, a New Zealand-born Samoan, won an East Auckland seat at last October’s general election.
“His parliamentary career and his contributions have only just begun,” Shaw added. “He gave his first speech just last week.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was “truly shocked and saddened”.
Luxon added in a statement: “Efeso was a good man, always friendly and kind and a true champion and advocate for the Samoan and South Auckland communities.”
Collins served as a Labor member of Auckland City Council until 2022, when he unsuccessfully ran for mayor of New Zealand’s largest city.
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