Entertainment was put on and the Tongan Prime Minister, Samiuela 'Akilisi Pohiva - on his way back from the Pacific Islands Forum in Papua New Guinea - heard about the fundraiser and made a surprise visit to speak to the crowd.
A mini-concert event was also held in Christchurch for Tongans living in the South Island.
Mr Maka said once the money was raised, he contacted Tongan captain Nili Latu to find out how the players and team management wanted the money to be distributed.
"I talked to him in person and he talked to the players ... they were really quite moved when they heard what we were doing."
He said it was decided that the money should be sent to the players' individual accounts to make sure it got to them.
So Mr Maka and the committee transferred about $650 into each of the accounts, which is about 850 Tongan pa'anga.
He said the contribution would "definitely help" the players and their families..
The money would allow the players to focus on performing, Mr Maka said, "because the players are actually representing us".
He Skyped captain Latu on Wednesday to confirm the money had been received by the team, and was told the players were putting together a video and email to thank the community in New Zealand.
He said the Tongan people were a bit reluctant to contribute to begin with, after previous Rugby World Cup fundraisers did not go to plan.
"Given what happened in 2011, the people wanted to do something but they were also quite sceptical about whether the money they wanted to donate will go directly to the players.
"But now, when we advised them about what we'd done and the confirmation, they're really happy. The community was really happy.
"We are very pleased that we did it, and also it gives a bit of confidence for our community for future efforts. Because not only are we looking here but we also start thinking about Japan, 2019."
As for this morning's game against the All Blacks, Mr Maka referred to the Japanese upset over South Africa as an example of what can happen when weaker sides get their tails up.
"They should be up to the task, but I think that coming up against a team like the All Blacks is a psychological thing.
"They have to really focus on what they can do and as long as they have a good game plan, and they play good, we'll be happy. Whatever the result we will still be proud of them."
He said he had a "soft spot" for the All Blacks and that once Tonga were out, he and most of the Tongan community would be cheering them on.
"In our hearts, we want Tonga to win and we want Tonga to perform better than their own capabilities. But the reality is, if you look at a team like the All Blacks, you have to perform exceptionally well and you also need some divine intervention.
"For us as a community - the Tongan community - rugby plays a vital role in the Tongan psyche.
"Rugby breaks down the barriers in politics and churches and allows the community to come together."
Rugby was the only activity that brought the Tongan people together in this way, Mr Maka said.
