John Hart hugs Jonah Lomu's mother Hepi during a press conference at Jonah's Epsom home after his death on Wednesday. Photo / Dean Purcell.
John Hart hugs Jonah Lomu's mother Hepi during a press conference at Jonah's Epsom home after his death on Wednesday. Photo / Dean Purcell.
Jonah Lomu's mother, Hepi, will be attending the first public memorial for the All Black legend, scheduled to be held at the Lotofalei'a Tongan Methodist Church, in Mangere, South Auckland, on Sunday.
Organiser and church leader Salote Heleta-Lilo said Hepi told her this morning she would "definitely" attend the service.
Tonga's Prime Minister 'Akilisi Pohiva may also attend, Heleta-Lilo said, however he was unwell so it was unconfirmed at this stage.
"He was supposed to be here at the moment. He did confirm on Thursday [he would be attending] but at this stage ... it depends because he is not well," said Heleta-Lilo.
The service is expected to attract around 1000 members of the public to farewell the rugby great.
The church is at 34 Orly Ave, Mangere, and guests are expected to arrive at 6pm for a 6.30pm to 7pm start.
"[People] had better come in early because it is going to be packed," Heleta-Lilo said. Meanwhile organisers are waiting to confirm the venue for a second public memorial for Lomu. Eden Park is being considered as a possible option.
A private service for friends and family will be held the following day.
David Tua (right) leaves the former home of Jonah Lomu in Epsom, Auckland. Photo / Nick Reed
Family spokesperson John Hart said "no final decisions" had been on made on where the service would be held or at what time.
"There will be a family service which won't be private, people will be invited to attend but it will essentially be the family," he said.
"We are in the process of moving all those sorts of things, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes obviously at the moment to get those things organised."
Hart said an announcement revealing the location and time for both the public memorial and the private service would be made on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, sports stars and public well-wishers continue to stream through Jonah's Epsom home.
Former All Blacks Michael Jones and Joeli Vidiri were among over 40 visitors to the busy household this afternoon, as the mourning and heartfelt tributes continued.
Lomu's close friend, former heavyweight boxing champion David Tua, who was formally dressed in a traditional Tongan ta'ovala, has also visited to pay his respects.
With news of Lomu's death on Wednesday still sinking in, members of the public have even been tying flowers to a gate at the front of the house in support of the family.
