The South African community in Auckland has organised a vigil for the former anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. Photo: RNZ
The 94-year-old former president is seriously ill in a Pretoria hospital where he was admitted in early June for a recurring lung infection.
A nightly prayer service at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell began on Friday.
One of the organisers, Sunil Kushor, says people were keen to come together and share their thoughts, prayers and memories of Mr Mandela.
Mr Kushor says everybody has emotions for the man he describes as not only the father of modern South Africa but a great leader in modern democracy.
He says it's important people have the chance to come to one place and pray together.
Anglican Archbishop Philip Richardson says in each service there will be silence, prayer and reflection on what Nelson Mandela said and stood for.
The prayer services are taking place every evening from 7pm to 9pm.
