UPDATED 4.55PM: The Pacific community gathered at the Vodafone Events Centre in South Auckland this morning, to celebrate the life of All Black legend Jonah Lomu.

A trickle of people, dressed in black with ta'ovala - traditional Tongan dress involving a woven mat tied around the waist - began arriving just after 10am.

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PHOTOS: Jonah Lomu Aho Faka Famili (Day of the Family) service

There are also flecks of purple seen in the crowd, the traditional Tongan colour of mourning.

Participants proceed through the foyer of the centre and take seats inside the auditorium, which has been set up as a symbol of the Lomu house for guests to pay their respects.

Mayor Len Brown, Mangere MP Su'a William Sio, Govenor General Sir Jerry Mateparae, and Lomu's former teammates Michael Jones, Dylan Mika, and Eric Rush are all present.

MC John Pulu says he's already been overwhelmed by the numbers of people saying they want to be there, or sending their love because they can't.

Pulu said there's a loose plan in place, but it's mostly going to be the traditional bearing of gifts and food.

"People come in and be part of the experience and we make sure that everyone is going to be fed as well so it's all part of the Pacific Island tradition."

Among those who have addressed the crowd so far is Jonah Lomu's father-in-law Mervyn Quirk.

"As you can imagine this is a time of great sorrow having lost a dear son. Jonah treated me like a loving son and I loved him dearly."

Tongan community leader Salote Heleta Lilo said while it's a day focused on culture and customs it's also a day for everybody to mourn:

"Whether you are Tongan, European, Maori or whatever race this is the opportunity to be there tomorrow. I think it'll take time for our people to face reality that Jonah Lomu is gone."

"You know what the more the better because our people need to mourn... this is another opportunity for them to show their last tribute."

She said Pasifika traditions will be at the forefront of today's commemorations - and they've been careful to consult with the family, particularly in respect to Jonah Lomu's casket.

"When it comes to Jonah's body it will have to be Tongan culture, Tongan traditional stuff so we all went to see the mother in regards to that and the mother was happy with the preparations."

Auckland mayor Len Brown said it is a way for Pasifika communities to respect their traditions, through oratory, music, and gifts.

He was one of the many who spoke in memory of Jonah, and said he had an amazing community heart.

"When I first met him at hospital as he was coming to grips with the challenges within himself, he could swat away the challenges on the rugby field but the ones inside were the ones that were his life challenges."

The Pasifika event comes ahead of Monday's public memorial at Eden Park.

That event, entitled Remembering Jonah, will feature videos of Lomu's achievements as well as speakers and music that reflect his life. Musicians Lizzie Marvelly, Adeaze, and Ardijah will perform.