While Colleen Spiro was motivated by "wanting the best for everyone", she still did everything she wanted to do and didn't care if she hurt anyone's feelings or got in the way of of what she viewed as wrong.
She fought for people that maybe couldn't fight for themselves while not being concerned about offending people. She just wanted to fight for what was right. She was just so passionate. If it wasn't right, she wasn't having it. She worked hard and fought hard for her community. She always went to bat for the underdog. She was relentless but she cared about people.
Colleen loved Tauranga and lived in the city her whole life, apart from a stint travelling in her early years. While she gave up her first daughter for adoption when very young, they all reconnected later in life and became a happy family.
Colleen was a remarkable individual who made a significant impact on her community. Here are a few interesting facts about her:
1. **Community Activist**: Colleen was known for her relentless efforts in fighting for the disadvantaged and those who couldn't fight for themselves. She was particularly active in helping Tauranga's homeless and speaking up for Māori and against racism.
2. **Pilot Bay Boardwalk**: She campaigned against the Pilot Bay boardwalk and won a compromise, showcasing her dedication to community issues.
3. **He Kaupapa Kotahitanga Trust**: Colleen co-founded He Kaupapa Kotahitanga Trust - Awhina House, Tauranga's first shelter for homeless women, in 2019.
4. **Passionate Advocate**: Colleen was known for her passion and tenacity. She was not afraid to offend people if it meant fighting for what was right.
5. **Personal Life**: Despite her long-term health battles, Colleen lived a full life. She loved crafting, gardening, music, and had a wide circle of friends. She also had a love for high tea and op-shopping.
She studied computing and loved crafting, gardening and music, and had a wide circle of friends.
Spiro had not wanted a "big fancy funeral" so there was only a viewing where people could say goodbye followed by a private family gathering.
Colleen had health issues from a young age, and struggled particularly with lung affliction COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in the last five years.
She shared a love of high tea and op-shopping with close friends - once taking a holiday to Australia where they were so successful at the second-hand shops even an extra bag couldn't get it all back to New Zealand. She couldn't resist a bargain and she couldn't resist sparkles.
As a woman in politics, she was very supportive of women, but she didn't let you get away with anything either. She would challenge for others all the time.
Colleen not only had passion, she had drive, she was always on fire. You'd have to think twice if you chose to take a stand against her, particularly if you were not genuine, otherwise she'd smoke you.
She was tenacious and got the job done. She was a community-minded person with a huge heart who was not afraid to tell it like it is. She toiled, she laboured, she stood for the cause, she was in the thick of it all, she helped transform lives. She had a steel about her. She was fierce and empathetic as well. She gave her all and was very vocal and practical - people are often one or the other but Colleen was both.
Despite her long-term health battles, her passing came as a shock to many. Colleen was remembered as a "warrior for the needy and disadvantaged" and a "community angel" who made significant contributions to her community through her volunteer work.
