Berryman the 'family man' laid to rest

The pall-bearers carry Norm Berryman's coffin into his tangi in Perth on Wednesday, led by Mr Berryman's father.

As Norm Berryman was laid to rest in Perth, a group from Northland performed a haka to honour the rugby legend.

Donny Stevenson, former Northland taniwha captain and coach and NZ Maori coach, attended Berryman's tangi on Wednesday afternoon on behalf of Northland rugby. He said it was a great day, and a great way to send off Stormin' Norman.

"There's a big crowd. It's just amazing in his short time here in Perth he's touched so many people. Every Kiwi and Maori in Perth is here."

Berryman, the 42-year-old Northland, three-time Super Rugby championship winner with the Crusaders, All Black and New Zealand Maori representative, had called Perth home since 2006.

He died of a suspected heart attack early last week after returning from Italy where he took part in a tribute match for Jerry Collins.

Mr Stevenson said he couldn't count the number of people who had visited Berryman since his passing. The tangi was held in three stages, with the final service held at the Pinnaroo Memorial Grounds where Berryman was finally laid to rest, he said.

"His uncles and cousins said a few words and there was a Northland contingent who did a haka and the Berryman whanau have strong links to Waikato and Tainui, so they also did a haka - it was about family."

Berryman's pall-bearers included his brother and son, Jason Hita a "great rugby mate of Norm's" and former New Zealand Maori and Crusaders player John Akurangi.

Mr Stevenson said many talked about how Berryman, a husband and father of six, was a huge "family man", how humble he was and never turned anyone down who wanted an autograph or a chat.

"His wife told us how they'd try go shopping at Pak N' Save and every second man in there stopped and wanted to chat with Norm and they'd be in there for two hours and they'd have two things in their trolley."