The children who died in a crash that claimed eight lives north of Taupō over the weekend were aged from seven to 13 years old.
Police have today formally named those who died.
Grandmother Sherilyn Poutawa (seated) yesterday spoke of her whānau's anguish at the deaths of their family members in the crash. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
David Poutawa, 42, Margaret Luke, 35, and five of their children were killed in the crash on Sunday morning when a van and an SUV collided head-on near Ohakuri Road, Atiamuri.
Jenny Rodgers Photo: Supplied / Scouts NZ
The children, Khyus Isaiah Raurimu Poutawa, 7, Akacia Lee Alexia Te Ana Poutawa, 8, Jahnero Kevin Panapa Poutawa, 10, Chanley Tirohia Lavina Poutawa, 11, and Trinity Nivek Rawiri Luke, 13, were officially named by police today.
Jenny Rodgers, 51, the sole occupant of the SUV, has has been confirmed as a long-time Scouts New Zealand staff member.
The sole survivor, a 9-year-old boy, is in a stable condition at Waikato Hospital. Another son, 12-year old Legacy, wasn't with the family at the time.
Their grandmother Sherilyn Poutawa, yesterday spoke of the whānau's anguish, and thanked everyone for their efforts in helping the family.
A brief statement yesterday Tokoroa North Primary School, Tokoroa Intermediate and Tokoroa High School said it was a tragic accident that had affected the whole community.
Ms Rodgers was described as someone dedicated to her family and with a deep passion for scouting. She was survived by her husband Andrew and three daughters, a granddaughter, mother, siblings and wider family.