Obama exhorted the world to embrace Nelson Mandela's universal message of peace and justice, electrifying tens of thousands of rain-lashed spectators and prompting a standing ovation.

Spectators at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela jeered at South Africa's leader Jacob Zuma, embarrassing him and reflecting the ANC's current challenges.

In 1988, two years before Nelson Mandela's release from jail and Jim Bolger became Prime Minister, National MPs were still attacking Mr Mandela, writes Brian Rudman.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela is remembered at a memorial ceremony at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium.

Former South African president Nelson Mandela is being remembered at a memorial ceremony at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium.

MPs have paid tribute to Nelson Mandela in Parliament this afternoon, describing him as a positive force for change in New Zealand and across the world.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says he will represent anti-apartheid activists at Nelson Mandela's funeral.

When we look at Nelson Mandela's legacy as South Africa's post-apartheid leader, we must acknowledge serious failings, writes John Minto.

All Blacks great Sean Fitzpatrick has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela, saying meeting him and playing in South Africa was a dream come true.

Nelson Mandela wasn't on life support and had many family members and doctors close by in his final hours, a family friend who was at his bedside said today.

I feel as though I am saying goodbye to Nelson Mandela not just for me, but for my mother, Cherry Hill, who died last year, writes Deborah Hill Cone.

News that New Zealand's anti-apartheid protests brought hope to Nelson Mandela on Robben Island is likely the most important memory New Zealanders have of the leader, activist John Minto says.

Places to grieve, contemplate and celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela are being set up around the country.

He was with Nelson Mandela during all those years the anti-apartheid icon was imprisoned on Robben Island. And, like millions around the world, he has been hit hard by Mandela's death.

S Africa will say goodbye to Nelson Mandela over 10 days of mourning culminating in a state funeral likely to be attended by world leaders including David Cameron, Barack Obama and Pope Francis.

I don’t really care about rugby. There is of course one exception to that. And that is the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Nelson Mandela's memorial on Tuesday at Johannesburg's FNB Stadium promises to be one of the largest such gatherings in generations.

Newspapers and websites around the world have marked the death of one of the great political figures of the twentieth century.

Once a shadowy figure whose imprisonment personified the shackles of his apartheid-bound people, a free Mandela brought political calm to a S Africa that had become far more savage since he was jailed.

New Zealanders have good reason to admire Nelson Mandela's seemingly infinite capacity for forgiveness.

As the news of Mandela's death spread, residents of Soweto gathered in the streets near the house where he once lived, singing and dancing to mourn his death and celebrate his life.