“He impressed us with his courage, his humility, his grace under pressure”, he said.
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Lomu’s widow Nadene and sons Dhyreille and Brayley – wearing All Black jerseys with Lomu on the back – were supported by other family members as they made their way into the centre.
In a touching tribute, New Zealand Governor-General told thousands of mourners: ‘we will not see the likes of him again, ‘ stuff.co.nz reported.
“A great Totara has been cut down”.
The ‘Aho Faka Famili, or day of the family, event from midday on Saturday at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau is an opportunity for communities from the Pacific to honour Lomu.
“When it comes to Jonah’s body it will have to be Tongan culture, Tongan traditional stuff so we all went to see the mother in regards to that and the mother was happy with the preparations”.
Rugby legend Jonah Lomu has returned to the cradle that nurtured him.
Lomu was born in Pukekohe and spent some of his early childhood in Tonga with family before returning to south Auckland where he attended Wesley College.
Ahead of Monday’s public memorial on the religious house of New Zealand rugby – Auckland’s Eden Park – the Pacific island communities gathered Saturday for a “family day” to pay a standard tribute to Lomu who was of Tongan descent.
“And Jonah’s life is worth celebrating”, he said.
Nadene Lomu’s father Mervyn Quirk said he loved Lomu as a son.
Those attending include former All Blacks Michael Jones, Tana Umaga, Dylan Mika, Eric Rush, Alama Ieremia and Pita Alatini.
Auckland mayor Len Brown says it’ll be a way for Pasifika communities to respect their traditions, through oratory, music and gifts.
“There’s a few formalities and then there’s been expression of groups to come in and perform”.
There’ll be performances by Lizzie Marvelly, Adeaze and Ardijah.
Broadcaster John Campbell will be the MC for the service which will be attended by World Ruby chairman Bernard Lapasset and a host of former All Blacks.
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Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Jonah’s casket will be taken from Eden Park to his home in Epsom, via Balmoral Road.
