New Zealand Minister of Pacific Island Affairs and fellow Mangere local Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga told the church of his meeting Lomu not long before the rugby legend's death, saying he was full of energy, humble and thoughtful as ever.

On behalf of the New Zealand government and Prime Minister John Key he extended his sympathies to Lomu's family.

"He was a school boy phenomenon of Wesley College, just a year out of college he was playing as the youngest All Black ever.

"He taught us to reach for the stars, dream big and strive for excellence. Through his love and passion for the game he created opportunities for everyone around the world.

"He of course played a huge part in bringing the Rugby World Cup back here in 2011... For me as a Mangere boy, he was still the boy who grew up here in Favona."

Tongan dignitaries, local community board members, members of parliament and friends and family gathered at the church to remember the life of rugby's first global superstar.

The ceremony began with speeches which were followed by a candle lighting in which members of Lomu's family - including sisters, aunties and cousins - lit 40 candles, one for each year of Lomu's life.

The congregation also enjoyed a photographic slide-show of Lomu's life, beginning with a photo of a young, smiling Jonah in his Wesley College days, quickly progressing to his stellar career moments.

The church held special significance for Lomu's family, who had brought him there for services in his youth. The Tongan community and Mangere in particular was his true home, mourners heard, and without him everybody was "paralysed".

Key moments: 

Chairman Reverend Tevita Finau: "His life reflected the might of God."

Service organiser Salote Heleta-Lilo: "You have taught our children to dream and to believe the non achievable, achievable indeed."

Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga: "We are proud of you. You have touched our lives."

Stuff.co.nz