University of Auckland honours the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins
3 December 2025
Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space opens at Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui | General Library.
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland officially opened the Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space at Te Herenga Mātauranga Whānui | General Library on 3 December, honouring the life, vision and legacy of the late politician.
The opening was an intimate, warm celebration with Collins’ loved ones, close friends and colleagues speaking to the legacy and success of the former University alumnus and staff member.
It was a far cry from Wednesday 21 February last year, when the nation came to a standstill after Collins collapsed from cardiac arrest during a ChildFund charity event in Auckland, while raising awareness about clean drinking water in the Pacific.
A measina (taonga) dedicating the space to Collins in the form of a beautifully designed siapo by Opeta Elika (crafted in Savaii, Sāmoa) was unveiled at the event and blessed by Reverend Uesifili Unasa.
His widow Vasa Fia Collins, along with daughters Kaperiela and Asalemo, thanked the University and the 100 guests gathered to acknowledge her late husband.
“Thank you all for being here to honour our beloved Efeso, and to witness the opening and blessing of the Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space.”
She says her husband would have reminded everyone of the true significance of the day.
“Efeso would be the first to say that today is bigger than him, it’s about our people being seen, our stories valued, our cultures uplifted. His name is not on this wall because he was wealthy, I believe he offered something far greater, a legacy of love, faith and service.”
The newly designated space came about through a collaborative partnership between Student and Scholarly Services and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific, to create meaningful pathways for Pacific students to thrive across Waipapa Taumata Rau.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau acknowledged the commitment of many to bring the vision of the Fa’anānā Efeso Collins Space to life, including the leadership of Student and Scholarly Services Director Sue Roberts and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Adrienne Cleland.
Collins was a trailblazer, says Prof Tiatia-Siau, whose leadership began at the University, where he became one of the first Pacific AUSA presidents and founded initiatives for equity. His visionary approach paved the way for Pacific peoples, and his enduring legacy continues to inspire students and make his family proud.
“Words fall short of all I wish to convey, but what I can say is this, that the hands of many, have worked together, for this occasion, to honour a man who held many in his hands.
“And it is only right and indeed fitting that we recognise a person who gave so much to this University and whose heart was all in for our tauira.”
Words fall short of all I wish to convey, but what I can say is this, that the hands of many, have worked together, for this occasion, to honour a man who held many in his hands.
And it is only right and indeed fitting that we recognise a person who gave so much to this University and whose heart was all in for our tauira.
Kaikōkiri Rautaki from the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori office Catherine Dunphy worked closely with the late Collins during his time at the University and noted his generosity in giving back to the institution.
Pacific Engagement Lead for Learning and Library Services Fay Nanai was the key organiser of the event, as well as transforming the former Pacific Space to honour Fa’anānā Efeso Collins.
“When you take the time to reflect on what this space means for our students, and what Fia said earlier, this space is so much bigger than Efeso himself. His life and legacy provides the blueprint that’s needed in order for us to move, when I think about everything he’s imparted on the University during his time here - this space has been built upon a dream, a vision and a prayer that our parents had, when migrating from across the Pacific.”
She says every Pacific student who comes onto campus would know they are seen, they are valued and they are heard. “More importantly that they can see a place for themselves at Waipapa Taumata Rau.”
Power of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins
Collins was a proud University of Auckland alumnus and a transformative leader whose influence extended from campus to public office. During his time as a student and AUSA president he developed initiatives to strengthen the student voice and equity on campus.
He founded the Dream Fono programme at the University - a leadership and mentoring initiative for senior Pacific high school students; to inspire and prepare them for tertiary education and leadership roles.
Beyond the University, Efeso’s public service career was marked by distinction. He served as Chair of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, then as an Auckland Councillor for the Manukau Ward (2016–2022), where he championed youth development, social equity and community well-being. In 2022, he contested the Auckland Mayoralty, running a campaign focused on reducing inequality and poverty.
In 2023, Efeso entered Parliament continuing his advocacy for Pacific communities and vulnerable populations until his sudden passing in February 2024. The words of his maiden (and final) speech in Parliament have proved to be a call to action for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa.
"Love is an act of courage, not fear. Love is a commitment to others.
"No matter where the oppressed are found, the act of love is a commitment to their cause - the cause of liberation.
"We are tangata tiriti and we have nothing to fear."