Green MP Efeso Collins has died after taking part in a charity event in central Auckland this morning, RNZ understands.

Collins was taking part in a ChildFund charity run in central Auckland when he collapsed.

He was married and a father of two.

Collins was of Samoan descent, and raised in south Auckland's Ōtara.

He spent three terms in Auckland Council, serving as the chairperson of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and as Manukau ward councillor. He was among the leading contenders for Auckland's mayoralty in 2022.

He most recently joined the Green Party as was elected into Parliament at the last election.

At the time, he said he was "elated and humbled" to be elected.

Main image (RNZ/Samuel Rillstone): Efeso Collins.