New Zealand's Pacific Islander community has gathered to remember rugby great Jonah Lomu at a traditional service in Auckland.

Lomu, who was of Tongan descent, died suddenly at the age of 40 earlier this month.

His father-in-law, Mervyn Quirk, paid tribute to Lomu, who was widely regarded as one of the best players of all time.

''His heart was so big that he reached out to so many, even at times where he wasn't well,'' he said.

Another public memorial service is due to be held on Monday at Auckland's Eden Park stadium.