Thousands farewell former PM David Lange

Former Prime Minister David Lange after being appointed to the Order of New Zealand in 2003. Picture / Mark Michell

More than 2000 people turned out to celebrate the life of former Prime Minister David Lange at a memorial service at the Supertop at Ericsson Stadium today.

A host of dignitaries, government ministers, MPs and former prime ministers attended the hour-long service near Mr Lange's home suburb of Mangere.

Personal friend and entertainer Gary McCormick said it was difficult to believe that "a great one" had left the world.

Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright said in a written message that Mr Lange had once told her that he was "a mere flyspeck" in history but she disagreed, saying Mr Lange had given much to New Zealand and, in return, New Zealand was in his debt.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said all people who had met him, even those who had crossed swords with him, acknowledged he was "an extraordinary man".

Many speakers cited Mr Lange's wit and humour, which had stayed with him through his long battle with illness until his death last Saturday.

Mr Lange's sister Margaret told the service that he had a large extended family which had stuck with him throughout his successes and his failures.

"He was ours and we loved him."

The memorial service had a heavy emphasis on celebration rather than grief with speeches interwoven with music.

Singer Dave Dobbyn said Mr Lange helped define New Zealand's sense of nationhood.

"He carved out a manifesto for New Zealand as a nation.

"The rest of the saints will be welcoming David home."

The lineup for the event, which started at 11am, included performances by musicians and guest speakers and a free barbecue.

The performers included Dave Dobbyn, Hammond Gamble, Nesian Mystic, Adeaze, Ben Makisi, Midge Marsden, De La Salle choir Auckland Pacific Island Gospel Choir.

The guest speakers included the Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Hillary, Mr Lange's sister Margaret, brother Peter and son Roy, Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche, and representatives from the Indian and Samoan communities, rugby league and rallying.

The Supertop had seating for 2000 people inside, with further standing room and big screens inside and out.

The Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch, put on the barbecue - sausages wrapped in bread with sauce. "Nice and simple as David would've liked it."

Before the event Mr Leitch did not know how many sausages he would need, saying it was impossible to predict the size of the crowd.

Other companies had donated the bread and sauce. Mr Leitch said his staff had been keen to volunteer to work at the memorial.

He was happy to put the barbecue on for Mr Lange, who used to live six doors down from his Mangere shop and was a regular there.

"There are some things you feel it's an honour to do because he's an icon of New Zealand."

Mr Lange's brother Peter said the day's events had been carefully judged to achieve the right balance between seriousness and fun.

"We don't want it to be a solemn memorial, but we don't want it to be a comedy either."

He said TVNZ film clips could provoke an emotional reaction.

Mr Lange's wife, Margaret Pope, said the huge number of cards and messages she had received since her husband's death was overwhelming.

"I'm just astonished at how kind people have been."