A powerful haka has just been performed as the hearse carrying Fa’anānā left the centre.

Students from the MP’s old school, Tangaroa College, were emotional and fierce as they paid tribute in haka to Fa’anānā, who was the head boy at the college in the early 90s.

Deputy head boy Seyliann Siafolau, who led the haka, said it was an emotional day for them.

“His name is marked up on the walls, with all the other head prefects. It’s emotional.”

The 17-year-old said he met Fa’anānā at a school event and was presented a special civic services badge by the late MP.

The youngster, who is due to join the Navy next year, said the MP had given him his phone number, in case he needed it one day.

Speaking about Fa’anānā’s impact on young South Aucklanders, Seyliann said: “He just inspired me to be my best.”

Following refreshments, Fa’anānā Efeso Collins will depart Due Drop Event Centre and begin his journey to acknowledge the following places:

-Tangaroa College

-Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Junior School

-Otara Rugby League Football Club and-Otara Town Centre

The hearse will stop for a moment at each venue.

There’s no words that can express how grateful we are for the love and support at this time.

The service is now coming to an end, with the choir taking to the stage for the last time.

The crowd has just been told that Fa’anānā that he will be taken through the streets of Otara and Otāhuhu one last time.

Father Martin said Fa’anānā was a popular figure at Kaperiela’s school and as a young priest, he sometimes used humour to try to connect with the congregation during Mass.

He said if Fa’anānā was attending Mass, he would sometimes look to see his reaction and if he saw a big smile, he knew he was doing OK.

There were laughs when Father Martin said so he felt disappointed when he heard during the MP’s maiden speech that his favourite part of Mass was the end.

The final benediction is now being given by Father Martin Wu, from Otāhuhu Catholic.