Jonah Lomu service: 'We will not see the likes of him again'

Mourners turned out in force to farewell Jonah Lomu. Cherie Howie reports.

It was their day, Nadene Lomu and the two little boys at her side, proudly wearing their dad's famous All Black number.

And it was our day - the people of South Auckland and the ­Pasifika community.

Jonah Lomu's casket is carried out by Lomu family members. Photo / Getty

More than 200 gathered at the Vodafone Events Centre for Aho Faka Famili, the day of the family, in memory of one of South Auckland's most famous sons,
Jonah Lomu. The 40-year-old died ­suddenly 11 days ago.

Lomu's brother John was at the centre's door to welcome those who came, among them ­Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae and Lady Janine, Auckland Mayor Len Brown and a swag of former All Blacks.

Jonah Lomu's mother, Hepi, with young relatives. Photo / Doug Sherring

John Lomu told the Herald on Sunday it was important to say goodbye in the traditional Tongan way.

"The most moving part was that people came to pay their respects.

"My family are very thankful. It helps. It's awesome to be able to see our people come and say goodbye - that warmth you find from people coming together to say goodbye."

Nadene, who married Lomu in 2011, did not want to speak to ­media, but the day was important for her and the boys so they ­understood where they came from, John Lomu
said.

Nadene and Lomu's mother, Hepi, were "as best as they can be", and sons Brayley, 6, and Dhyreille, 5, were good.

"They are also mourning in their own way."

Former All Black Michael Jones said the family day was an ­"intimate and beautiful part of the mourning and the healing".

Jonah Lomu's wife Nadene sits with her mother Lois and father Mervyn Quirk during the Aho Faka Famili memorial. Photo / Getty

"It's first for Nadene and the boys, but it's also for us. This is what we always do, we just ­needed a bigger house.

"Our hearts are warm today because unless you go through this part of the process it's harder to move forward.

"It's for her, but it's also for us."

Lomu was a "giant of a man, ­a giant of the rugby world and a giant of a husband and father".

Earlier, family members, many wearing the traditional formal dress ta'ovala, gathered as Lomu's coffin arrived, draped in a traditional cloth and topped with white lilies.

A curly-haired toddler, yellow gumboots on her feet and an ­inquisitive expression on her face, was among those to welcome Lomu.

Nadene arrived with her sons, one of whom leaned forward to touch his father's coffin as the family entered the centre. The boys wore All Blacks shirts with "Lomu" on the back.

The final mourner was a woman waving a large All Blacks flag.

Mourners arrive at the ceremony. Photo / Doug Sherring

Lomu, whose coffin passed close by his Hall of Champions mural at the centre, was greeted with a powerful haka and much of the first part of the celebration was led by mana whenua, and featured several karakia and waiata.

Sir Jerry spoke of Lomu's grace and humility, as Nadene watched quietly, one son leaning into her shoulder. The service was a solemn ­occasion but also a celebration.

"And Jonah's life is worth celebrating," Sir Jerry said. "A great totara has been cut down. And we will not see the likes of him again."

Mayor Brown told Lomu's sons people would watch to see if they inherited their father's sporting talent.

"Boys, my great hope is that you've inherited your father's community heart."

Overhead a large screen showed the many faces of Lomu - signing autographs for fans, mowing down an unfortunate Englishman, and as a loved husband and father.

Many from the sporting community also shared their sorrow, including former All Blacks Tana Umaga, Joeli Vidiri and Alama Ieremia, as well as a Manu Samoa delegation and Warriors star Manu Vatuvei.

"You've got our support as a family," Vatuvei said. Gospel numbers and traditional music from throughout the South Pacific filled the arena before mourners filed past Lomu's casket for the last time.

More than four hours after he arrived, pallbearers carried Lomu out of the centre, his farewell accompanied by hymns and a guard of honour.

Nadene and his sons followed, visibly upset with their eyes cast down. The singing continued as Lomu was returned to the hearse, some present quietly calling "Goodbye, Lomu" as he passed.

The family will hold a private ceremony in coming days for the man they knew as a husband, ­father, brother, son and friend.

A public memorial will be held at Eden Park tomorrow.