The South Auckland community in particular will be mourning the loss of Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.
He had been a Manukau ward councillor on the Auckland City Council and was involved in numerous community organisations and initiatives supporting local Pasifika families.
Tevita Funaki is Chief Executive of the south Auckland health provider The Fono.
He's worked alongside Fa'anānā for 20 years and counts him as a good friend.
He describes him as a champion of South Auckland and a beacon of hope in the community.
Funaki spoke to Charlotte Cook.
