First Jonah Lomu memorial this Sunday

Church leaders have been given the blessing of the Lomu family to organise the service. Photo / Getty

The Tongan community will honour one of its greatest sons at a church he once attended as a child in South Auckland.

The first public memorial service will be held for rugby hero Jonah Lomu at the Lotofalei'a Tongan Methodist Church, in Mangere, on Sunday.

Lotofalei'a is located at 34 Orly Avenue, opposite the Mangere Town Centre.

The service will begin at 6pm and those attending are encouraged to head out early.

Church leaders have been given the blessing of the Lomu family to organise the service, where people are encouraged to bring along a candle to light for the fallen rugby star, who died earlier this week.

Organiser and church leader Salote Heleta-Lilo said although it was being held at a Tongan church, the service will be open to all members of the public and will be conducted in both Tongan and English.

The service will be broadcast via a live stream to Tonga, Ms Heleta-Lilo said.

"It's a big loss for the Tongan community. He was a positive role model who left a lasting impression on everyone during a small space of time,'' she said.

"He's a hero to our young generations and he will always be remembered by Tongans.''

The Lomu family were members of the church when Lomu was younger and he attended Sunday School.

It is understood he left in his teenage years when he moved away to stay with other family members. His parents and other siblings, however, stayed on for some time later.

Sunday's service will be conducted by Tongan Reverend Dr 'Alifeleti Mone. Hymns will be sang and prayers said and a brass band is set to play.

Lomu's body is not expected to be present, however, his mother Hepi is among family members set to attend.

Ms Heleta-Lilo said Lomu was a "beloved son'' to not only the Tongan community, but to the Pacific.

"The entire Pacific Community is in shock and struggling to come to terms with the death of such a popular and international rugby figure. Rest in Heaven our beloved son, the great Jonah Lomu."