Pacific Islanders living in New Zealand will get the chance to farewell one of their beloved sons this week.
Photo: NZ government
A former Cook Islands Prime Minister and health professional, Dr Joe Williams, died last month of Covid-19 in Auckland where he had been working as a physician.
He was 82 years old.
In a statement, the Pasifika Medical Association, of which he was a patron, said with restrictions eased, a public memorial service and community celebration of Williams' life would be held at Manukau on Thursday.
Williams was buried at a small, private service under alert level two restrictions last month.
Earlier, the former politician was hailed as a national hero during a state memorial service in Rarotonga.
The service will start at 2pm at the Vodafone Events Centre and full details including RSVP can be found on the event Facebook page entitled - Dr. Joseph Williams' Public Memorial Service.