Former All Blacks doctor John Mayhew told TV3 that Lomu, who had a kidney transplant in 2004, had died unexpectedly, while New Zealand Rugby later stated they were "shocked and deeply saddened" by his death.
"We're lost for words and our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jonah's family," chief executive Steve Tew said on Twitter.
Lomu, who was awaiting another transplant and undergoing dialysis treatment, had undertaken commercial obligations at the recent Rugby World Cup in England before returning home.
He played 63 tests on the wing for New Zealand, scoring 37 international tries.
Those bare statistics, although impressive enough, tell only part of the story with Lomu's deeds accomplished while he battled nephritic syndrome, a disease that attacked his kidneys and necessitated the transplant in 2004.
Initially plucked from obscurity as an 18-year-old by All Blacks coach Laurie Mains, Lomu found his transition from the loose forward position he played at secondary school to the wing a challenge.
He played 63 tests on the wing for New Zealand, scoring 37 international tries.
Those bare statistics, although impressive enough, tell only part of the story with Lomu's deeds accomplished while he battled nephritic syndrome, a disease that attacked his kidneys and necessitated the transplant in 2004.
Initially plucked from obscurity as an 18-year-old by All Blacks coach Laurie Mains, Lomu found his transition from the loose forward position he played at secondary school to the wing a challenge.
