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.