New Zealand PM to leave for South Africa to pay respects

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will leave for South Africa on Monday to attend the official memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

Key said on Monday that many New Zealanders felt an emotional connection to Mandela and the country's sympathies are with South Africa at this difficult time.

The New Zealand prime minister will lead a small delegation, including leader of the Opposition David Cunliffe, former foreign minister and Commonwealth secretary-general Don McKinnon and former prime minister Jim Bolger.

Mandela's official memorial service will be held in Johannesburg on Tuesday and many leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, are expected to attend.