Family, friends and icons to pay tribute to David Lange

Prime Minister Helen Clark outlined details of a public memorial service to be held for David Lange on Saturday.

The service at the Big Top at Ericsson Stadium, Mt Smart, Auckland was organised in conjunction with Mr Lange's family, the Visits and Ceremonial Office and long-term friend Gary McCormick.

"The service is designed to be a celebration of David's life with tributes from a wide range of family, friends and contributions from groups David spent his life working with," Helen Clark said.

"David's death has touched many New Zealanders. This memorial gathering enables us to celebrate his life and achievements."

The service will start at 11am and people were encouraged to arrive early to the Maurice St entrance. While seating was limited there would be standing room for several thousand and a large screen will display proceedings.

The service will begin with a Maori prayer and introduction by McCormick.

Speakers included Sir Edmund Hilary, Mr Lange's siblings Margaret and Peter, his son Roy, close friends and colleagues including representatives of the Samoan and Indian communities, Gerald Ryan on behalf of NZ Rugby League, Mr Lange's law tutor Bernard Brown, Morrie Chandler involved in rallying, and Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche. Helen Clark would also speak.

Performers included Ben Makisi, the De la Salle choir, Hammond Gamble, Midge Marsden, Dave Dobbyn, Adease, Nesian Mystic and the Auckland Pacific Gospel Choir.

TVNZ archive footage would be played and the service would conclude with Reverend Keith Rowe offering a prayer and grace.

The service would take about two hours and would be followed by a barbecue.

- NZPA