The family of an elderly couple who were among seven people who died in a Taranaki horror crash yesterday say they are absolutely devastated.
Ian and Rosalie Porteous, who died in a fatal crash in Taranaki that also claimed five other lives, at a recent family gathering. Photo: Supplied
The four people in the car heading north who died at the scene of the head-on collision with another car on SH3 yesterday have been named, alongside the occupants of the other car.
The elderly victims have been identified as Rosalie Porteous, 76, Ian Porteous, 80, Ora Keene, 84, and Brenda Williams, 79, from Waverley.
In a statement, Mr and Mrs Porteous' family said the couple had been married for 54 years.
"They are extremely loving family people. Rosalie was great with social media and used this to keep up with what all the family was doing. She would always make beautiful handmade birthday cards for the family with her impressive Photoshop skills.
"Ian had an awesome cheeky sense of humour and was extremely proud of all his grandchildren and was often found on the side line at their sports events."
The couple had three sons and the family said they were close to Ian's sister Ora, who lived close by in Waverley and also died in the crash.
"Our love and thoughts go out to all the families involved in this tragedy. We would like to thank all the emergency services involved in the accident for all their help."
The scene of the crash on SH3 that claimed seven lives. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin
Roy Hotter, the clerk at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Waverley, knew the four elderly victims and said they were all 'lovely people'.
"I knew them all ... I'd say hello to them in the street," he said.
Colleen Smith, who knew Mr and Mrs Porteous and their passengers from the Waverley Bowling Club, said they would leave "a big hole" in the community.
"Everybody's sort of grieving for the whole lot, it's not just the four," she said.
"Although they probably didn't know the other people, it's just the thought of a baby and another daughter. It's just so sad. And the worst part about it was, the road wasn't bad."
A mother, Nan Nohinohi also known as Ani Nohinohi, who is the last survivor in the aftermath of the collision was earlier reported to be in a serious condition at Wellington Hospital.
A family member at Wellington Hospital said Ms Nohinohi was hanging in there.
There had been some false reports she had passed away, but the woman, who had been by Ms Nohinohi's side since yesterday, said she was okay for now.
The rest of the family was on its way down to hospital, she said.
Her eight-year-old daughter Nivek Madams, who was also a passenger, died this morning at Waikato Hospital.
Nivek Madams's godparents, Joy and Jules Clark, have set up a GiveaLittle page for her after she died in a Taranaki crash which claimed the lives of six other people. Photo: Supplied/GiveALittle page
Nivek's godparents had set up a GiveaLittle page to help fund her funeral. The page stated she was surrounded by family since the crash.
Stratford Primary School, where Nivek was a pupil at our school said she was a "friendly, happy young girl and
an important member of our school whanau".
"As a school community we are deeply saddened by her passing and our thoughts are with the family at this time."
Family gathered in Stratford, in Taranaki, had earlier stated the girl's body was reportedly due to be flown out to be closer to her mother.
Jeremy Thompson, 28 and eight-week-old Shady Thompson were in the same car, which was southbound, and died at the scene.
Fire and Emergency had three vehicles at the scene yesterday and helped release passengers trapped in the crash.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating and police said they would not comment further.
Waverley fire and emergency chief Alan Hickford said it was clear the vehicles had crashed head on.
He said the weather was clear and the road was dry at the time of the crash, which happened on a slight bend in the road.
"This is a devastating crash and the tragedy will affect a large number of people in our community," Mr Hickford said.
Emergency services leave the scene of a fatal crash on SH3 that claimed seven lives. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin