‘Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne’ – The tōtara in the great forest of Tāne has fallen.

It is with our deepest love, aroha and alofa that we express our sincerest sympathy to the aiga, family, and communities touched by the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.

Fa’anānā Efeso Collins was a great leader. A man of humility, humanity, and humour. He was a champion of the communities that he represented, an avid advocate for South Auckland, Pasifika, and for the most vulnerable.

Like many across the motu, we are mourning the loss of a great member of our community.

Fa’anānā Efeso Collins is survived by Vasa Fia, his loving wife and two daughters.

May his soul rest in peace and love.

The Nursing Council of New Zealand.