The life of Nelson Mandela has been commemorated at Waikato Stadium, the scene of a Springbok tour protest in 1981 when protesters swarmed onto the field forcing the cancellation of the match.
The gathering was timed to coincide with the funeral for South Africa's first black president in his home village of Qunu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday.
A ceremony to remember Nelson Mandela was held at Waikato Stadium on Sunday. Photo: RNZ
About 300 people attended the ceremony on the stadium's field to hear speeches and songs.
In 1981, anti-apartheid protest action at the ground, then known as Rugby Park, resulted in the game between the Springboks and Waikato being cancelled.
Veteran protester John Minto told the crowd that the cancellation of the game in 1981 made a difference and was recognised by Nelson Mandela years later as a turning point in the anti-apartheid struggle.
He said the legacy left by Nelson Mandela is enormous and one that will be debated for a long time.
Ross Meurant who was deputy commander of the Police Red Squad, one of two squads set up to stop protestors disrupting the 1981 Springbok tour, was a surprise guest at the service and received a warm welcome.
Mr Meurant said Nelson Mandela is no doubt the most admirable political leader of recent times.
Local anti tour protest leader John Denny said the protestors were as surprised as anyone that the fence around Rugby Park was breached and, as time was to show, the symbolism of that was to reach Mr Mandela himself.
