Jonah Lomu's headstone is about to be unveiled in a family ceremony at the Manukau Memorial Gardens.

Guests have gathered at the cemetery in South Auckland for the special ceremony this morning.

Tapa cloths and fine mats cover the large headstone on a cloudy day in Auckland.

Black and white balloons with the number 11 - paying tribute to Lomu's jersey number - have been tied down nearby. Other balloons have the words: "Love You Dad."

Lomu's wife, Nadene Lomu, and the couple's two sons, Brayley, 10, and Dhyreille, 9, have arrived and are greeting and hugging friends.

Lomu's brother, John, and an aunt, who has travelled from Australia, are among members of the Lomu family attending.

Guests include former All Blacks Eric Rush and Josh Kronfeld.

A musical tribute featured Chicago's You're the Inspiration.

A prayer was said before John Lomu gave a brief speech.

He paused, seemingly gathering himself, before saying: "It's time to be together as a family."

"Thank you everyone for being here".

The Herald on Sunday revealed yesterday that a fresh row had broken out between Nadene Lomu and the rugby great's family over the headstone unveiling.

Lomu's side of the family were only told about it on Thursday and they were concerned that they did not know what the headstone would say.

Lomu's mum Hepi missed the ceremony as she flew to Fiji on Friday on a trip arranged before she knew of the plans.

The legendary All Black died on November 18, 2015 of a heart attack following a long battle with kidney failure.

Nadene Lomu is in charge of his grave at the Manukau Memorial Gardens.