In Loving Memory of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins

We asked Efeso a few questions about his vision and key issues affecting Pacific Islanders living in Auckland and most importantly, why Pasifika should give him their vote. 

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Tell us a bit about your background and what has driven your passion for politics as a Pacific person?  

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has been my home all my life. From growing up in a state house in Ōtara to graduating from Auckland university with a Master’s degree in education, this city has been wonderful to my family. Dad drove taxis and Mum worked on a factory floor to support us through school and uni. My passion for social justice started at Auckland Uni, where I got involved with student politics to ensure better support for our Pacific students and eventually I rose to become the president of the Auckland University Student's Association - becoming the first person of Pacific descent to do so. I've carried on this passion for helping our people  and that's led me to work in youth development and education, and more recently become an Auckland Councillor.

I know what it’s like to be a flatmate, tenant, first-home buyer and even a landlord. I’m a husband and dad to two beautiful girls, and want to see the city which has given me so much, to become a place that creates an enduring legacy for my daughters and all their generation.

So let’s imagine an Auckland - where it’s easy to get around, where long-term housing security is an achievable aspiration for everyone, and where counicls works for people, not the other way around.

And let’s bury the tired politics of old, which seek to categorise and divide us, placing one side against another. Instead, let’s engage in a politics of listening, collaboration and authenticity that places the aspirations of Aucklanders front and centre of all we do - because when it’s with the people, it’s for the people.

Two particular policies that will help our Pacific communities are my policies on transport and community safety.

We need a transport system that is reliable, affordable, sustainable, and safe so more people and goods can get where they are going more efficiently while meeting the climate change goals that Aucklanders want action on. I will introduce fares-free public transport to remove cost as a barrier to using public transport and encourage more people to use it more frequently. I will implement more reliable, frequent, and safe cross-town services so people can be confident in the public transport system. And I will appoint Councillors to serve on the board of Auckland Transport to ensure accountability and transparency to the people of Auckland.

Too many in Auckland feel unsafe in their neighbourhoods, town centres, and on public transport. When people feel safe they are more likely to enjoy the wonderful facilities and services the city has to offer. So I commit to making sure the Council works with the Police, government agencies, and business and social services for coordinated action on safety across the city. I will support better funding and support for community-led and volunteer groups such as Neighbourhood Support, Community Patrols, and Māori Wardens who provide safety services and education in our communities. And I will ask the government for more resources to support at-risk youth into meaningful work and educational opportunities.