Green Party MP and former Auckland mayor candidate Efeso Collins passed away this morning during a charity run in Auckland.
As Newshub reports, he was taking part in the ChildFun Water Fun event in Britomart when he suddenly collapsed.
Tributes have already flooded in from his fellow parliament members as well as friends and loved ones.
"I first met Efeso when he was President of the Auckland Student Association in 1999," said Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins. "We connected because of shared values, a love for New Zealand as a country that supports and embraces all people."
"Efeso was a member of the Labour Party for a long time and stood for the Party several times. I have deep respect for him and his politics and am saddened by the news today."
Labour's deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni says Collins was brave and losing him will be tough for many people.
"Many of us worked or studied with Efeso over several decades," she said. "Efeso was a passionate advocate for our community and a role model for the people of South Auckland and New Zealand's Pacific community."
"We are thinking of Efeso's wife and his two beautiful daughters, his wider whānau, friends and community. The loss of this courageous man will be felt by so man. This has deeply affected us as a Labour Party, our Pacific caucus members and MPs across Parliament."
The Greens released a statement sharing their surprise and deep sorrow at the news.
"It is with profound shock and sadness that we can confirm that Green Party MP Efeso Collins has died. We are absolutely devastated."
"A beautiful family has lost a dedicated father, husband, and community leader. The news today has come as a profound shock to everyone, and our absolute priority is to Efeso's wife and young girls."
"Aotearoa and the Green Party have lost one of the kindest, most dedicated champions of fairness and equality."
"Efeso devoted his life to serving and making a difference to the lives of those he met, including his constituents, colleagues, friends, and family. He held the deepest respect of the members of all political parties and communities."
"We will continue to aspire to the dedication and commitment Efeso showed to always put the greater good above our own. He showed us what that means every single day. We will miss Efeso dearly, but celebrate with gratitude the contribution he has made to Aotearoa."
Dave Letele, who runs a food bank and is a well-known community leader, told Newshub that Collins "died giving back".
"So it's important that we come together and that we're there for each other We're here for a cause to be able to have clean water in the Pacific - something very close to Efeso and to all of us."
More to come.
