"It's [today's service] really to reflect who he was and what he meant to us and we really have to acknowledge Nadene," Jones told Newstalk ZB today.
"She's let the nation and the different communities in. I think if it was her decision she probably would have just wanted it small and done privately.
"But she's really shared someone who was dearly loved by New Zealanders and people around the world over a day like today, so that's why we feel really privileged and honoured."
Yesterday, Lomu's family joined hundreds of past and present students at a special memorial service at his old high school, Wesley College, in Pukekohe.
That followed Saturday's Aho Faka Famili (Day of the Family) commemoration in South Auckland which allowed Pasifika communities to acknowledge Lomu according to their traditions, while last Sunday, the Lotofale'ia Tongan Methodist Church in Mangere remembered their fallen hero.
"It's been pretty hectic, particularly the last week," Jones explained. "Just in terms of people wanting to celebrate him in different ways because he was so big and such a giant, not just in rugby but also in terms of his communities.
"Now it's just an opportunity for us to come together as Aucklanders, as New Zealanders, and farewell him and celebrate him our way, and that's what's at the heart of this event at Eden Park this afternoon.
"It's not a service or anything, it's really just Kiwis coming together at the spiritual home of rugby where he ran out of the tunnel so many times and did so many great things for our nation and the All Black jersey.
"It really is New Zealand's chance and the world's opportunity to farewell Jonah and celebrate his life."
World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset has travelled to New Zealand for the service, along with representatives from other international rugby unions, present and former All Blacks and others from the local sporting community.
Music, one of Lomu's great passions, will make up a large part of today's service, with two of his favourite New Zealand bands, Ardijah and Adeaze, and singer Lizzie Marvelly set to perform.
"His music will be there, he loved Ardijah and they'll sing Silly Love Songs, which was a beautiful song for him and Nadene. And, of course, Adeaze - all South Auckland bands - where he came from.
"He just loved his music so obviously some wonderful tributes will be made, and Liz Marvelly will be there too singing a wonderful hymn, that I think unites us all as Kiwis, and just some wonderful touches like that."
The service is open to all members of the public. It is requested that people are seated by 12.45pm.
Following the ceremony Lomu's casket will be taken from Eden Park to his home in Epsom.
Pay your respects
What: Remembering Jonah - public memorial for Jonah Lomu
Where: Eden Park
When: 1pm-2.30pm, guests need to arrive and be seated by 12.45pm
How to get there: Parking is minimal around the stadium, so public transport is advised.
See bus and train timetables at www.at.govt.nz
