Latest fromIn memory of Nelson Mandela
Hone Harawira: I cried, I danced, I said goodbye - how about you, John?
I went to farewell a wonderful, caring man who I was privileged to meet when he came to thank the protesters in 1995, writes Hone Harawira. If you want to condemn me for that then you go right ahead.
Fake signer admitted part in necklacing
The "fake" sign language interpreter at Nelson Mandela's memorial service has reportedly admitted being part of a group of people who killed two thieves by burning tyres around their necks.
Guests gather for Mandela's burial
Several thousand guests, some singing and dancing, have gathered for Nelson Mandela's state funeral in a huge tent at the family compound of the anti-apartheid leader.
Rodney Hide: Sorry, but I'm on the 1981 fence
It's confession time. It's not going to be easy, so, please, bear with me. I have no right to ask but I am hoping for a little understanding. And, perhaps, too, a little forgiveness, writes Rodney Hide.
Mandela's body arrives in Qunu
Nelson Mandela made one final trip home to the little village of Qunu in Transkei, South Africa when his body was transported in a military procession.
Matt McCarten: Insult to send tour supporters
What an insult that John Key appointed Jim Bolger and Don McKinnon as part of a five-person New Zealand delegation to Nelson Mandela's memorial services.
Crowds pay respects
An estimated 100,000 South Africans lined up in Pretoria to view Nelson Mandela in his casket but about a third of the overwhelming crowd was sent away without being able to file past the bier.
Poor lament betrayal of Mandela's great vision
"They have turned Soweto into a Disneyland for Mandela," says Andile Bongani, waving his hands in derision outside his home in another, lesser known, South African township.
Paul Thomas: Saintly message, but some haven't heard it
You start to wonder if it's all got slightly out of hand when cricket commentators call for instant canonisation.
Andrew Austin: Still a long walk to freedom
For many years, the cry was: "What will happen to South Africa after Mandela?" That time has come.
John Roughan: Mandela made us wait a while
When Nelson Mandela walked to freedom I fondly expected we in this country would see him somewhat sooner than we did.
Outpouring of grief
For the thousands of grieving South Africans who came to pay their respects, it was the final confirmation of news they could hardly believe. For many, it proved too much to bear.
Mourners undeterred by hours of queueing
After about 3.5 hours of zigging and zagging, twisting and turning, police realised things were not going to plan. There were too many people and not enough buses.
Sharples' serendipitous superstar sit-down
On a sombre day when he viewed Nelson Mandela's body lying in state, Dr Pita Sharples also had an encounter with two superstars.
NZ delegation pays respects to Mandela
"It was very sad. I took a moment." John Key and the NZ delegation have paid their respects to Nelson Mandela as he lay in state in Pretoria.
Andrew Austin: Politics mixed up with mourning
This has been a difficult task for the South African Government as it had to follow protocols and ensure that the various dignitaries were given the proper welcome, writes Andrew Austin.
John Key an 'unidentified guest'
He may be well known at home but according to major US paper, John Key was just an "unidentified guest" at Nelson Mandela's memorial service.
Charlotte McDonald: Forgiveness based on truth a path we all should follow
Telling the truth was the path to reconciliation, to forgiveness; an essential step towards a future together, writes Charlotte McDonald. Nelson Mandela exemplified that in the way he lived his life.
Bryan Gould: Mandela is dead and still we sleep
Nelson Mandela at least had the satisfaction of living long enough to see his life's work vindicated, even by many of those who opposed him, writes Bryan Gould.
Memorial service farewells Madiba
Nelson Mandela the peacemaker has achieved something in his death that had not been seen before. A US President shook hands with a President of Cuba.
Obama shakes hands with Cuba's Raul Castro
US President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro at a memorial service for Nelson Mandela, a simple gesture that signalled possible thawing between the leaders of two Cold War foes.