Ericsson fitting venue for David Lange's farewell

David Lange grew up not far from Ericsson Stadium and spent many hours there watching the Warriors.

On Saturday the stadium will be the venue for a public celebration of the former prime minister's life.

Today Mr Lange's family and close friends will attend a private funeral for the 63-year-old who died in Middlemore Hospital on Saturday.

Mr Lange's brother, Peter, said Saturday's gathering would be a celebration rather than a memorial service and would provide an opportunity for the public to say their farewells.

Entertainer Gary McCormick, a close friend of Mr Lange, will host the send-off, which will be held in the stadium's Supertop.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, family, colleagues and friends will all speak; the Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch, will put on a barbecue; and local cultural groups and musicians will perform.

It is understood Dave Dobbyn may be among the performers.

"It could go on for quite a long time," said Peter Lange of the gathering, "but we have decided we don't care. We are just going to go with it. We don't want to worry about time constraints.

"If people want to stay they will hear some good music and there may even be an informal open-microphone at the end, so anyone can get up and tell a story."

Helen Clark said the organisers had received offers of help from around New Zealand.

"David was an outstanding New Zealander and many people have voiced a desire for a public service to mark their respect for the man who made such an impact on our country."

Maungakiekie Labour MP Mark Gosche, who is helping to organise the event, said Ericsson Stadium was the perfect venue because of its location and because of Mr Lange's strong ties to rugby league. He thought Mr Lange would have approved.

Mr Gosche said Mr Lange hated formalities, so the event would be as relaxed as possible.

The timing of Mr Lange's memorial service has also affected the release of National's much-talked-about tax policy.

National leader Don Brash yesterday set Monday as the date, saying it was planned to avoid clashes with services for Mr Lange.

"I have already made it clear that I will not personally campaign on the day of the funeral of former prime minister David Lange or the day of his memorial service, as a mark of respect."

* David Lange's memorial service will be in the Ericsson Stadium Supertop on Saturday, starting at 11am.