See a slideshow of the official memorial service held for All Black legend Jonah Lomu.
It’s been a sad and proud day for Auckland as a crowd of 10,000 publicly celebrated his life and contribution to world rugby and the New Zealand community at Eden Park.
Click through the slideshow above to see photos of Remembering Jonah, the official memorial service held this afternoon (Monday 28 November) for All Black legend and Auckland hero Jonah Lomu.
Mayor Len Brown says the thoughts of Aucklanders at this time are first and foremost with Jonah’s family: “People from across the spectrum of the community feel a particular bond with an Aucklander who we are proud to call one of our greatest sons.”
Today's public memorial service followed the ’Aho Faka Famili (Day of the Family), which was held on Saturday 28 November at the Vodafone Events Centre in south Auckland. It was a special opportunity for Pasifika communities to acknowledge Jonah according to their traditions.
Jonah’s brother John Lomu says their family is grateful to Auckland Council and to the communities of south Auckland for supporting the family’s desire to adhere to their traditions.
“We know that Jonah was treasured by New Zealanders and people all over the world. For us, he was a brother, a son, and a man who was proud of his roots,” he says.