Service marks year since Lange's death

Helen Clark said David Lange would never be forgotten. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

David Lange's former constituents have this morning held a memorial service for the late prime minister, a year after his death.

The service was at the Onehunga Co-operating Parish, where Mr Lange worshipped and where his funeral service was held a year ago.

A memorial plaque was unveiled by Mr Lange's youngest daughter Edith. The plaque says Mr Lange was a "servant of the people."

Leading the prayer of dedication, The Rev Fakaofo Kaio said Mr Lange had chosen acts of worship for the later part of the service.

A Cook Islands choir performed the lament of one of his favourite hymns, which they sang as the coffin left the church a year ago.

Prime Minister Helen Clark paid tribute to Mr Lange saying he was "a big man, with a big heart and a big vision, who will never be forgotten."

Sir Paul Reeves, who was appointed governor-general during Mr Lange's time as prime minister, read extracts from the Sermon on The Mount.

MP and friend Mark Gosche said despite the heights Mr Lange rose to politically, David Lange always stayed close to his constituency.

He said this morning's event was about remembering the man and what he meant to local people.

Mark Gosche said plans to build a permanent memorial to Mr Lange move forward a step this coming week, with the official launch of a trust to promote the idea.

- NZHERALD / NEWSTALK ZB