Thousands of people are at Eden Park to remember the life of rugby great Jonah Lomu, who died this month aged just 40.
Among those at the park is veteran journalist Rereata Makiha, in whose home the giant Tongan boarded between leaving Wesley College and heading off to the Rugby Wold Cup in South Africa.
He told Radio Waatea host Willie Jackson that many of the moves that thrilled the rugby world in the world cups were first tried out in the Makiha front yard in Manurewa.
He says a tidal wave of grief went around the world as soon as news came out of Jonah Lomu's death.
"Our old people called this te hua mo tanga e te wai puke o te mate. They also reminded us these tidal waves of grief are only temporary. They soon subside and leave in their wake devastation and loss and sadness for the people left behind to clean up so it's sad in that respect but what a global phenomenon. I'd be lucky if someone down the valley remember me when when I go," Mr Makiha says.
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