KEY POINTS:
The family of Folole Muliaga have been praised at her funeral today by the Prime Minister for showing forgiveness since she died.
More than 1000 people filled the Samoan Assembly of God Church in Mangere this morning for the public service, which followed a private ceremony yesterday.
Miss
Clark spoke to the congregation, including a passage in Samoan which was greeted with a large round of applause.
She also said: "What has been simply inspirational through these sad days has been the spirit of forgiveness that has radiated from this family - far more than could humanly be expected."
Executives from Mercury Energy and parent company Mighty River Power, including chief executive Doug Heffernan, were present at the service but kept a low profile.
The 44-year-old mother-of-four died last week a few hours after the electricity and oxygen machine at her Mangere home was cut off by Mercury Energy because of an unpaid bill.
Mrs Muliaga's coffin, draped with a white cloth and large wreath of red and white flowers, was carried into the church by 12 pallbearers followed by her husband and four children.
'Stop investigation'
Yesterday the Muliaga family said they wanted the police investigation into the death of Folole to be stopped immediately.
Family spokesman Brenden Sheehan told the Herald the family did not want the contractor to be investigated or charged.
He said the family had only love for the contractor and had forgiven him for disconnecting the power.
"We would like the police to stop their inquiries immediately. The police inquiry is not helping us and it's not helping the contractor.
"The public interest is not served by a criminal investigation to blame any individual for this tragedy. What's required is an investigation into electricity companies and their procedures and practices."
Mr Sheehan said the police investigation was fundamentally flawed due to a lack of cultural awareness - which included interviewing family members in English, which is their second language.
"And to interview the boys for six hours the day after their mother died is absolutely improper."
He said the family didn't want the police involved.
"If there were corporate manslaughter laws in this country it would be a different matter but we don't want this individual persecuted. We think it's unfair."
The officer in charge of the inquiry, Detective Inspector Jim Gallagher, said if the family had issues with the investigation, they should raise them with the police.
Mr Sheehan said the service, which would run for about two hours, would include hymns in Samoan and English, a eulogy by Mr Muliaga and an official address. Her four children will also perform some songs.
The family have also extended an open invitation to the contractor, but have not had contact with him.
"The family are very concerned for the welfare of the contractor. We imagine he and his family are under a lot of stress," Mr Sheehan said.
"The family have asked me to convey to the contractor and his family that we love you and we forgive you and please let us help you if we can."
Around 1000 people gathered on Monday night in Mangere for a family service for Mrs Muliaga.
- with NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
