Pacific islanders say farewell to ‘greatest of us all’ Jonah Lomu in special memorial service

New Zealand's Pacific islands community gathered at a memorial service on Saturday for former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu, two days before all Kiwis unite publicly to grieve the loss of one of rugby's greatest players.

Lomu's wife Nadene, his sons Brayley, 6, and Dhyreille, 5 - who wore miniature versions of their father's number 11 All Blacks jersey - governor general Jerry Mateparae and former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga were among hundreds who attended the service at a South Auckland sports arena.

Representatives of Lomu's Tongan community were joined by others from Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tuvalu and Tokelau to remember a man they say put Pacific Islanders on the global map.

Lomu, who died in Auckland last week at the age of 40, was considered rugby's first global superstar.

Many of those who attended the service wore a traditional woven skirt, which is a symbol of respect and mourning, and joined in prayers and hymns.

Lomu's former All Blacks team-mate Eroni Clark, who led the ceremony, said Lomu "was the greatest of us. Of all of our generations ... Jonah was the greatest."