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A tropical cyclone is forecast to bring heavy rain to northern New Zealand when the body of Sir Edmund Hillary lies in state in Auckland but the rain may clear for the funeral on Tuesday.
Cyclone Funa, currently centred southwest of Fiji, is moving southwestwards and will start affecting the north of the country on Sunday, sai d MetService Weather Ambassador Bob McDavitt.
Rain is expected across most of the North Island on Monday.
"Things might be starting to improve for the funeral," he said.
Police are continuing to urge the public to go to Auckland Domain to view the funeral live on screens as the service is by invitation only.
Sir Edmund's family will scatter his ashes in a private ceremony after the funeral, Radio New Zealand reported.
Inspector Derek Davison said there will be a large video screen on the grassed area near the gun emplacement and below the Cenotaph at the domain.
"Immediately after the service the funeral cortege will pass solemnly and slowly through the domain. Thousands of people are expected to line this sector of the journey and take advantage of the excellent space available.
"Everyone will be able to pay their respects in their own personal manner," he said.
The service starts at St Mary's Church in Parnell at 11.00am and is expected to take one and a half hours. The motorcade will then proceed slowly along St Stephens Avenue, Parnell Road, Maunsell Road, Cenotaph Road, The Crescent, Domain Drive, Park Road, Kyber Pass Road, Broadway, Remuera Road and St Johns Road.
- NZPA
