The Samoan community in Auckland will offer up prayers and devotions as one of its sons gets ready for what could be the greatest fight of his boxing career.
A special service will be held at the Fale o Samoa, the headquarters for the NZ Consulate-general of Samoa, in Mangere, on Friday evening.
It comes after members of the community called for a special event to be held in Auckland ahead of Joseph Parker's world heavyweight boxing title fight against British world heavyweight champ Anthony Joshua, in Wales, on Sunday morning (NZT).
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio said the service was based on Samoan custom where village elders, church leaders and members of the community came together to tapua'i - or support - and offer blessings to someone preparing for a big event.
The event can be anything from an important test, game - or war.