ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Warnings over fake funeral links of late Green MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins

Author
RNZ,
Publish Date
Sat, 24 Feb 2024, 4:37pm
The late Efeso Collins addresses supporters, volunteers, campaign staff, and media after losing the Auckland mayoral election to Wayne Brown. Photo / Michael Craig
The late Efeso Collins addresses supporters, volunteers, campaign staff, and media after losing the Auckland mayoral election to Wayne Brown. Photo / Michael Craig

Warnings over fake funeral links of late Green MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins

Author
RNZ,
Publish Date
Sat, 24 Feb 2024, 4:37pm

Multiple fake profiles impersonating the late Green MP Fa’anānā Efeso Collins and fake livestream links have appeared on Facebook.  

One page has more than 100 friends and advertises a hoax livestream link to his funeral using pictures of Fa’anānā and his family.  

The 49-year-old MP collapsed and died after taking part in a charity event in Auckland on Wednesday. 

In a statement, Tipene Funerals said it was aware of a number of fake Facebook pages but none were connected with the company. 

Tipene Funerals said authentic communications to the wider community about the funeral would come from its Facebook page or from the news media. 

Tipene Funerals spokesperson Taito Eddie Tuvalii said while it welcomed community Facebook pages set up to express grief, any with false livestream links or impersonating Fa’nanānā should not be trusted. 

“None of those pages are linked to us and ... we believe those pages are all scams under the advice of [company director] Francis Tipene. 

“We have no knowledge of them and have no idea who those people might be. 

“Efeso was somebody that connected with people from all over Tamaki and all over Aotearoa - we welcome that. 

“To the best of my knowledge, and from what I’ve seen, all of these pages with livestream details are not genuine or authentic pages.” 

Tipene Funerals would provide livestream details on its Facebook page closer to the memorial on Thursday. 

- RNZ 

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you