UPDATED 7:40pm: Flames are flickering on 40 candles - one for each year of Jonah's life - at the Lotofalei'a Tongan Methodist Church in Mangere .

The church is packed as members of south Auckland's Tongan community, including Jonah Lomu's mother Hepi, celebrate his life.

Hannah Bartlett reports the candles were lit by members of Lomu's family, cousins, aunties and uncles.

Many of the guests are wearing ta'ovala, a traditional woven skirt worn to show respect.

Many of those attending new Jonah Lomu as a boy - as this is the church where he went to Sunday School.