The Samoan proverb E le tu fa'amauga se tagata — "Nobody stands alone" — reminds us that no one achieves success or faces struggles in isolation. We rise and fall together, supporting one another every step of the way.
A mantra shared by the late Son of South Auckland, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins who has had a mural installed in Manukau in his honour.
The mural can be found on Ronwood Ave, Manukau.
Over the past year, Eke Panuku have been exploring opportunities to install a new mural in the heart of Manukau City Centre as part of its programme to create a colourful, welcoming and family-friendly centre.
During these investigations, Eke Panuku was approached by renowned Mana Whenua mural artists Janine and Charles Williams, who are members of the local community and whose work adorn many spaces in South Auckland, with the idea of creating a portrait mural of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, who was an early supporter of their talent.
Mana whenua artists and members of the local community, Charles and Janine Williams. Their remarkable work can be found gracing spaces all across Aotearoa.
Eke Panuku is continuing to explore opportunities for a Manukau City Centre mural to reflect the diverse cultures of the local community, it has been able to support the artists initiative by finding an appropriate location for the idea put forward by Janine and Charles Williams.
The unveiling of the Fa’anānā Efeso Collins mural in Manukau.
With support from Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Fa’anānā Efeso Collins next of kin, his wife, and the artists have worked together to develop the design.
Capturing the big picture—where every detail tells a story from across the road.
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says, “A year ago, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins passed on suddenly, and people from across Aotearoa and the political spectrum recognised and commended his kindness, generosity, and passion for the Pacific community.
“Fa’anānā Collins was elected to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board in 2013, served as Chair, and then as an Auckland Councillor for the Manukau Ward for six years, between 2016 and 2022. At the time of his passing, he was a Member of Parliament after the 2023 elections. He spent his career advocating for equity, social justice, especially for South Auckland and Pacific communities and issues that mattered to them.
“In recognition of his extraordinary leadership, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board has supported a portrait mural honouring the late Fa’anānā Efeso Collins, created by esteemed mural artists Janine and Charles Williams, on the Ronwood Ave Carpark Wall facing Manu-kau Noa Iho/Hayman Park.”
Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia.
To coincide with the commemoration of the one-year anniversary of Fa’anānā Efeso Collins’ passing, the unveiling of the mural took place with an event.
Snapshots of the unveiling event.
You can find out more about Janine and Charles work on their website or follow them on Facebook.
A masterpiece in every corner: some of Charles and Janine Williams artwork. Images: Charles and Janine website.
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