KEY POINTS:
For a family that had every right to be angry, forgiveness seemed to be the theme at Folole Muliaga's funeral yesterday.
Hundreds packed the Samoan Assembly of God Church in Mangere to farewell the mother of four who died last week after her power was disconnected because of
an unpaid $168 bill.
From beneath a banner that read "Jesus, the Saviour ... no pain, no gain", an assortment of community and civic leaders paid tribute to Mrs Muliaga.
The Rev Fereti Toleafoa began the service by welcoming the various ministers and pastors, politicians and organisations.
The steps to the stage were covered in traditional Polynesian mats, and before long those mats had been covered by floral tributes to Mrs Muliaga.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and Manukau Mayor Barry Curtis occupied front-row seats along from Mrs Muliaga's husband, Lopaavea Muliaga, and close to the coffin.
Executives from Mercury Energy and parent company Mighty River Power, including chief executive Doug Heffernan, were present but kept a low profile.
There were prayers, hymns and Bible readings in English and Samoan. Helen Clark told the congregation that Mrs Muliaga's death had sent "a shockwave" through the country, which was united in grief with her family.
"She wanted to come to New Zealand for the opportunity it gave to her family, and that simple hope has motivated generations of our families to come here."
The Prime Minister said a spirit of forgiveness had "radiated" from the Muliaga family since the death, and New Zealanders wanted to live in a country that was "caring and compassionate" and where people could be "our brother's keeper".
She described Mrs Muliaga as a caring teacher who "did her best when times were tough", and thanked the family for welcoming all those who had attended the service.
Mr Muliaga paid a moving tribute to his wife, whom he had married in Samoa in 1986.
The couple had moved to New Zealand with their four children in 2000, intent on making "a better life", he said.
He said the family - who yesterday called for police to halt the investigation into Mrs Muliaga's death - would never forget her ... "until we meet you again".
The family believe the public would not be well served by any criminal investigation into the tragedy. Instead, they want an investigation into electricity companies and their procedures and practices.
Family spokesman Brendan Sheehan told the mourners the family were going through a "very difficult time ... of grief mourning and sadness".
He also paid tribute to Mrs Muliaga's children, who he said honoured their mother.
"You were the joy of your mother's life, and you made her so proud."
Her children were among the 12 pallbearers who carried the coffin from the church for burial at Papatoetoe Cemetery.
