Lloyd Morrison speaks at own funeral

It's not often that a person gets the chance to speak at their own funeral – but Lloyd Morrison was no ordinary man.

At his funeral at the Wellington Town Hall this afternoon, Mr Morrison, through a prerecorded video message, told those who had gathered that although he knew he was not meant to be there, there were a few things he wanted people to know.

Mr Morrison said he had enjoyed a "really good life" and he wanted his funeral to be a celebration of that life.

"I want my funeral to be happy," he said.

Not only was he proud of his business achievements and the "many good people" that he had met along the way, Mr Morrison was immensely proud of his family.

He also gave a clear message that everyone who had gathered needed to push themselves by giving to other people.

"There is a need in all of us to push ourselves harder to make things right," he said.

He also warned, with a sparkle in his eye, that he would "roll over in my grave if I see any of you slacking."

Earlier, eulogies were given my business colleague Marko Bogoievski, Prime Minister John Key and Mr Morrison's brother Rob.

A moving tribute to their father was also provided by Mr Morrison's five children, Isabella, Madeleine, Ottilie, Vita and Elliott, before their mother took to the stage to say if people though she was going to have the last say, they were wrong.

It was at that point that Mr Morrison's message was played.

Given how passionate he was about New Zealand, a message that came through loud and clear from all the eulogies, it was fitting that, not only was the national anthem sung, but Mr Morrison's coffin was draped in a version of the New Zealand flag that he had designed, a silver fern on a black background.

Perhaps Mr Key's final comments summed up the thoughts of everyone there, when he described Mr Morrison as a remarkable New Zealander, followed by "rest in peace mate".

Mr Morrison died in Seattle earlier this month of acute myeloid leukaemia. He was 54.

Well over 1000 people attended this afternoon's service.