The coroner found Fa\u2019an\u0101n\u0101 died of cardiac disease arising from complications of diabetes, obesity and hypertension after suffering a cardiac arrest during the event at Te Komititanga Square.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the findings represent a vindication for our family, particularly the coroner\u2019s recommendations regarding defibrillator access and on-site medical support, the concerns we raised from the outset have not been fully addressed,\u201d Vasa said.<\/p>\n
The coroner recommended that event organisers consider appointing a specific person responsible for locating and retrieving an automated external defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac emergency and ensuring they know where nearby devices are located before an event begins.<\/p>\n
Vasa Fia Collins.<\/p>\n
She also recommended organisers consider whether medical questionnaires or health declarations are appropriate for participants.<\/p>\n
However, Vasa said the family remained disappointed that the coroner did not hold an open inquest hearing.<\/p>\n
\u201cGiven Fa\u2019an\u0101n\u0101\u2019s standing and the wider impact this case has had on our Pacific and South Auckland communities, we believe the process has lacked the depth required to deliver the justice that Fa\u2019an\u0101n\u0101 and the communities he represented deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vasa said the family had sought an inquest hearing from the earliest stages of the coronial process, saying it was needed not only to rigorously test the evidence but also to honour the cultural and spiritual needs of the family and wider Pacific community.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs my husband said in his maiden speech just days before he died, \u2018nothing can be changed until it is faced\u2019. We have pursued this inquiry in that same spirit, not to assign blame, but to ensure that every possible lesson is learned, and that his legacy includes a safer Aotearoa for the communities he loved and served.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coroner Anderson found it was not possible to conclude Fa\u2019an\u0101n\u0101 would have survived if defibrillation had occurred earlier or additional medical support had been available.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery minute matters in circumstances like those my husband faced, and I hope that in the future, event organisers know the locations of potentially life-saving AED devices so that all attendees can be kept safe,\u201d Vasa said.<\/p>\n
The family said they hoped the recommendations would be acted on by event organisers across Aotearoa so that no other family would be left carrying the same questions they had faced.<\/p>\n
Fa’an\u0101n\u0101 Efeso Collins family.<\/p>\n
They also welcomed the coroner\u2019s endorsement of programmes to expand cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED training in Pacific, M\u0101ori and high-deprivation communities, noting those communities carry a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.<\/p>\n
The family thanked supporters who had contacted them following the release of the findings.<\/p>\n
\u201cFinally, we want to acknowledge the many kind and incredible messages of support we have received over these past few days. While we are still processing this news, I hope to share more in due course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fa\u2019an\u0101n\u0101 was a husband, father, former \u014ctara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair, Manukau Ward councillor and Auckland mayoral candidate.<\/p>\n
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.<\/p>\n