Thousands of people turned up to honour late All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu at Eden Park at the weekend.
The former New Zealand rugby player died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 40 a fortnight ago.
Lomu, who made his mark in rugby union following performances at the 1995 World Cup, was honoured in a ceremony attended by his wife Nadene and two young sons Brayley and Dhyreille.
Former teammates, family members and students performed the haka while Lomu's casket was carried out to the middle of the field.
During the service, tributes were made and a group of schoolchildren performed a song dedicated to the late winger.
Former All Blacks coach John Hart spoke on behalf of Lomu's wife and family. He said: "Today, we celebrate the all too short life of a great New Zealander. His record number of 15 World Cup tries scored in just 11 matches was only matched recently by the great South Africa winger Bryan Habana.
"The most remarkable aspect of Jonah's career is that throughout his career, he was suffering from a serious kidney disease. It is frighting to think what he could have done on the field if he had not played the majority of his career with his hand on the medical handbrake. Jonah did not want anyone to know, including his All Black coach at the time, nor his teammates, as he never wanted to use it as an excuse.
"Jonah, you were many things to many people. You were a freak on the field and a gentle giant off it, but most of all, you were a lovely, lovely man. To the world you will be known as the All Black who made number 11 his own. Rest in peace, my friend."
Lomu played in 63 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 43 tries.
Danielle Joynson
