Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene Lomu with sons Dhyrelle and Brayley are supported by her parents at Eden Park.
Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene Lomu with sons Dhyrelle and Brayley are supported by her parents at Eden Park.
Thirteen days on from Jonah Lomu's death and the public continues to mourn the rugby great.
Black T-shirts with a white No11 and Jonah's name printed on the back were dotted throughout the masses who mourned him in Auckland yesterday.
A white silver fern adorned the front, with one frondhaving fallen off, floating.
Hastings people made their way to Albert Square to watch live coverage of the service at Eden Park and pay their respects in a memorial book which would be sent to the family.
Bean bags and seats were set up in front of a screen which was flanked by black velvet curtains.
The Hastings District Council organised the screening to give those at work a chance to watch the service.
A big photo of the man himself was propped up on an easel next to the table which had a sign that read: "Leave your message for Jonah's whanau and friends."
Locals left messages such as: "There'll never be another one like you, RIP big buy."
Entitled, Remembering Jonah, the service highlighted some of his greatest sporting and life achievements.
Broadcaster John Campbell was master of ceremonies for the public sendoff. A number of people spoke out about how Lomu had touched their lives.
Kiwi musicians also played and Adeaze sang a tribute hand-picked by Nadene, Lomu's wife. His two sons also wore the No11 shirts and clutched their mother's hand as they left the stage, following their father's coffin.
Enveloped in a sea of people performing the haka, Mrs Lomu released a single white dove to the sky. More of the birds took flight as the hearse pulled away, bringing to a close the public farewell before his family say their final goodbyes at today's private funeral.
