Passed away peacefully on his chair at home, just as he wanted on March 11, 2026, aged 88. Dearly loved son of the late Doug & Anne Collins, loved brother of the late Maisie Roberts, cherished uncle of Carol & Keith McKenzie, loved great-uncle of Natalie, Carl & Leeana, and Ryan, loved great-great-uncle of Hayden, Lachlan, and Annalise, a much loved cousin and treasured friend of many. A true West Coast legend. Messages to the Collins Family, c/- 69 Clifton Road, Kaiata 7805. A Funeral Service to celebrate Mick’s life will be held at the Greymouth RSA, Tainui Street on Tuesday the 17th of March, at 2pm followed by cremation here on the Coast at the Westland Crematorium. Finger food for shared kai please.
“He kura tangihia,
He maimai aroha”
A treasured one
who is mourned
with deep affection
Our Condolences to Mick’s family. Mick was indeed a legend.
We first met him more than 40 years ago when he came this way looking for Greenstone. In recent years I enjoyed catching up with him at Sevenpenny. Was good to hear he was still Whitebaiting.
Rest in Peace, Mick.
Condolences to the family. Quite a character was Mick. I got to know himwhen I was working at Galo Engineering in Blaketown, Mick was upstairs at that time doing his carving. He’d be happy to know, that I still have a carving that he made for me, which will stay in the family for years to come. He will be missed. No more white buggy in town.
a mighty Totara has fallen.
Mick has been my mentor and friend for many years. it is so beautiful to hear that he left this earth on his terms, in his own time.
i have some cool photos of him whitebaiting this last season! his mind was sharp and he was active right to the last.
i am sure he will be stoked to have made it to 88
sending all my aroha to his huge team of family and friends.
Mick (crumpy) to me and my comrades from V3 , a member of the 3pl , Crumpy after that well known bushman . Mate,comrade and supplier of generous amounts of whitebait ,sit besides those that have prepared the hoochie ready for you . You can say you were proud to be a soldier .Farewell old friend
The Hari Hari RSA wish to express their sympathy on the passing of Mike Collins. He served our country well in war, and he supported the RSA throughout the coast. Mike also gave much help to our RSA when we bought it out of recess. We were very thankful for his support
A great little man with an enormous heart. He showed me where to find pounamu and supplied a great feed fish to us once. He helped our Garrison Club with carvings once. Last time I saw him he was still carving pounamu. Will miss you and never forget you Mick.
Roger Carter Retired WO1 AWO Greymouth.
I was lucky enough to have met Mike back in 2003 when i visited him after a recommendation fro ma rock buddy. He was so friendly, sharing of knowledge took me to visit various greenstone businesses & down to the Jacobs river to file Aotea stone. A brilliant, funny gentleman.. rest in peace.