Reti Shane; Brownlee GerryHon Dr SHANE RETI (Minister for Pacific Peoples): We're not in the Pacific just now Mr Speaker! On behalf of the National Party New Zealand First and the coalition Government and as the Minister for Pacific Peoples it is a privilege to be able to speak today and to offer thanks.It has been two months since the sudden passing of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins and the void he left is still deeply felt here in Parliament and across the country particularly in his hometown of Ōtara in South Auckland. Today we take time out of the business of the day to pay tribute to a remarkable man who dedicated his life to serving New Zealand with kindness compassion integrity and dedication. Fa'anānā Efeso was not just a politician of Samoan and Tokelauan descent; he was a proud son of the Pacific a community leader a father a husband and a strong advocate for justice fairness and equal opportunity. These are all values that are echoed across this House no matter which side of the aisle we sit on. His absence is felt here in Parliament. Fa'anānā Efeso dedicated his life to serving the public and making a difference for his communities. For this I know that he was held in the deepest respect by members from across all political parties. Fa'anānā Efeso was very much a man of the people. He dedicated himself to tackling issues that he was passionate about and the waves he made were felt by Pacific peoples not only in New Zealand but also across the Pacific region. He proudly held the Samoan chiefly title of Fa'anānā from the village of Satufia on Sava'i.His political career began in local politics in 2013 when he was elected as chairperson of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board. In 2016 he then became a councillor for the Manukau ward. During his three terms at Auckland Council Fa'anānā Efeso spoke up on issues that Pacific communities were facing. After being one of the leading contenders for Auckland's mayoralty in 2022 he most recently joined the Green Party and was elected to Parliament during the 2023 election.In his maiden speech to Parliament which he delivered only a week before his tragic death he reminisced about his humble beginnings growing up in Ōtara where his father worked as a taxi driver and his mother worked in a factory. We greet the family here today and acknowledge your loss. Efeso spoke about how his achievements were the results of the sacrifices his family made for him and a system that looked to assist those less fortunate in life. In his maiden speech he spoke about coming to Parliament to help saying that helping was a deliberate act. He told us all that he was here to help this House create a better New Zealand for all its people to open doors that may otherwise be shut to our communities and to help New Zealanders to connect with their Government.Fa'anānā Efeso spoke about his hope to inspire the square pegs the misfits the forgotten the unloved and the invisible during his time in Parliament. Speaking to the values advocacy and leadership he will always be remembered for he added It is the dreamers who want more who expect more who are impatient for change and have this uncanny ability to stretch us further." Fa'anānā Efeso's passing felt like a sudden stop to a political career that was just starting to gain momentum. He as an individual had already made an impact for the people he served. As the Prime Minister said we have no doubt that he would have been very successful and very good for this Parliament in this place.My personal interactions with Efeso were few but meaningful. Most days when I left the Chamber I would catch his eye to the side and we would smile together. That was it. But in that shared moment we were both saying "I see you my Polynesian brother." And that was enough for us.Fa'anānā Efeso had an unwavering belief in the potential of Pacific communities particularly Pacific young people and what they could achieve with the right attitude and support. This is a belief that I also hold and will seek to honour as the Minister for Pacific Peoples. Fa'anānā Efeso used his own experience of being the first in his family to attend and graduate from university with a Master's degree in education to resonate and positively influence youth in the community. We all grieve his loss not just for the man he was but the man that he was going to be. He was unapologetic and proud and he represented the dreams and aspirations of his ancestors with wisdom and kindness. Although his full potential will never be known he is an inspiration for what our Pacific young people have the potential to become.Despite leaving us too soon Fa'anānā Efeso lives on through his wife and children the Pacific youth who he held close to his heart and in the communities he dedicated his life to advocating for. The thoughts of this coalition Government remain with his wife Vasa Fia and their two children; extended families; communities he advocated for; and our Green Party and Pasifika parliamentary colleagues.While we have lost the pillar of the Pacific community in New Zealand he has left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire us all to do better for each other. His impact extended far beyond the walls of his office leaving a significant mark on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him. I was privileged to join family and friends in a more intimate farewell at the funeral home and then join the Prime Minister and a crowd of more than 2000 as we gathered in Manukau to farewell him. This was a touching moment of reflection. Efeso fa'afetai lava for all you have accomplished. For all our communities we say thank you. Moe mai moe mai moe mai rā.SPEAKER: This is a split call. The Rt Hon Chris Hipkins."