Video: One News

UPDATED 3.30pm:  All Black legend Jonah Lomu is being remembered as a man who will continue to inspire the next generation of New Zealand rugby.

Supporters from around the country are gathering to farewell the rugby great at Eden Park this afternoon after he died earlier this month aged 40.

PHOTOS: Public memorial for Jonah Lomu

The haunting call of conch shells and an emotional haka rang out as Lomu's body was carried out of the tunnel at Eden Park.

Among the pall bearers were All Black Jerome Kaino, Dr John Mayhew, Michael Jones, Warriors star Manu Vatuvei, Frank Bunce and Dylan Mika.

Vatuvei is wearing an All Blacks number 11 jersey with Jonah on the back.

The stage is decorated with flax, plants, leis and pacific mats.

Many of Lomu's family are wearing t-shirts with the print of the silver fern featured on the front page of the Irish Examiner newspaper in which a single leaf falls from the fern.

Incredible song and dance by students of Favona School, #rememberingJonah their way @NewstalkZB pic.twitter.com/Ixb5z7qtKG

— Gia Garrick (@giaisonline) November 30, 2015

Prime Minister John Key was unable to attend the service but sent a video message.

He says he saw Jonah prior to the World Cup and he spoke of wanting to dedicate his life to raising money for charity.

"He wanted to make a real difference to people's lives, and her certainly did that."

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset recalled Jonah Lomu's rugby prowess - particularly at the 1995 world cup.

"He burst onto the scene with an energy and passion, the likes of which I'd never before witnessed."

"He was a giant man and he leaves a giant space in rugby and in the lives of his friends and family members, but his legacy of humanity, perseverance, and integrity lives on."

He likened Lomu to Nelson Mandela.  

"Both men inspired millions around the world."

Lomu's First XV coach at Wesley College, John Ginter, said he was a troubled young man but had a positive attitude and high expectations of himself.

"He was able to turn weaknesses and challenges into incredible strength."

Former All Black Eric Rush, who took Jonah under his wing when he first arrived on the rugby scene, has spoken on behalf of his rugby mates.

Rush said he and Jonah have always taken the mickey out of each other, and today is no different.

"I knew he was going to play well when his nostrils flared up.  I always used to make fun of him and said no one could catch up because when the nostrils flared up he took all the oxygen and no one had anything else to catch him with." 

Rush recalled a time Lomu turned down a lucrative contract to play in the NFL

"All he said to me as I just want to play rugby with my mates." 

Rush chocked back tears at the end of his speech: "On behalf of all your mates that are here today, brother, we're just blessed to be a part of your amazing journey.

"We're going to miss you, big man.  We're definitely going to miss you.  Rest in peace, brother."

MC for today's service, John Campbell, ended the service by telling Jonah's mother Hepi and his wife Nadene that we all feel a great sense of loss - but their grief is a deep and personal one.

"Nadine - thank you for sharing him with us one last time.  Hepi - thank you for sharing your brilliant boy with the world one last time."

As Lomu's casket was being taken to the hearse there was one last send off for the powerful man.  

Buck Shelford and Dallas Seymour have led a haka of numerous past and present former All Blacks, current Blues and Warriors players, and other rugby playing mates of Jonah Lomu.

It's provided a dramatic and emotional end to the memorial service, celebrating the life of the All Blacks legend.

Watch the live stream