Tributes have been paid to the late Jonah Lomu at a traditional cultural ceremony in South Auckland.
About 400 people, made up of family, friends, dignitaries and sportsmen gathered at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau.
Most were wearing traditional Tongan dress, while others – including Lomu’s two young sons – wore All Blacks jerseys.
The boys, along with their mother Nadene, arrived in the car behind Lomu’s casket, at about 12:30pm.
The casket was adorned with white flowers, and sat next to a large black and white canvas picture of Lomu, at the front of the hall.
There have been speeches from Auckland Mayor Len Brown, from the father of Lomu’s wife Nadene, and from Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, who said a Totara has fallen.
The dignitaries were paying their respects before the celebratory ceremony takes place, which will include music and video clips of Lomu’s career.
Mr Brown said the ceremony was a way for Pasifika communities to respect their traditions, through oratory, music and gifts.
The official memorial service takes place on Monday at Eden Park.
Lomu died earlier this month, just hours after returning from a family holiday in Dubai, after visiting the United Kingdom during the Rugby World Cup.
Lomu family friend and former All Black Ofisa Tonu’u is the spokesperson for the event.
“It was called ‘Aho Faka Famili, you know, the family day, and it’s just to try and have a joyous occasion and celebrate the life of this great man,” he said.
“There’s a few formalities and then there’s been expression of groups to come in and perform. Just to tell stories and a few eulogies and just to celebrate Jonah’s career and the legacy he’s left behind.”