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The body of Nelson Mandela has returned to the Union Buildings
where he will lie in state for a second day.
The NZ delegation paid their respects yesterday,
and Pita Sharples took the opportunity
to farewell the freedom fighter with a special karakia.
Tina Wickliffe explains.
Thousands of mourners will once again ascend on the Union Building
to farewell Nelson Mandela.
The celebratory mood of the Johannesburg memorial...
...has been replaced
with formalities, silence, and grief.
Security has been beefed up for the world's leaders.
NZ arrived shoulder to shoulder
with other international dignitaries.
The Minister of Maori Affairs says his job is done.
I've accomplished what I came here to do.
I stood beside his body,
and I bade him farewell on behalf of Maoridom and all NZers.
The coffin has a plastic lid for easier viewing of the body,
a strictly limited time is allowed for each person.
We were all only allowed three seconds by the body.
But I've paid my respects.
I've done what I came to do.
He'll return home with many memories.
On the bus here,
I sat next to Naomi Campbell,
and U2's Bono was on the other side of me.
I was excited to sit and talk with them.
Those are the kinds of people who've come here
to bid their final farewells from all over the world.
It's great to see.
The South African government's duties end tomorrow,
and then the traditions of Nelson Mandela's Xhosa tribe
will complete his final journey.
Tina Wickliffe, Te Karere.