A woman who died at the scene of a crash on State Highway 3 north of Wanganui on Sunday had retired only a month earlier.
Yesterday, a spokeswoman said Christine Te Huna, 67, who had been a much-loved staff member of the New Vista Rest Home in Harrison St, would be missed. Many staff and residents at the home had been extremely upset at the news of Mrs Te Huna's death.
"She was a very dear person, and everyone liked Christine so much.''
Mrs Te Huna had retired to finally have some special time at home and be with her family, the woman said.
"We are all so very shocked and saddened.''
Former husband George Te Huna said he and Christine, although separated, were still close friends.
"We were real mates,'' he said. "There was never any animosity between us. She was one of those lovely people who always helped others out. We got on really well together and saw a lot of each other as really good friends. I will miss her very much.''
Mrs Te Huna had worked as galley hostess in the early years of the PS Waimarie paddle steamer's journeys on the Whanganui River.
Stuart Perry, the new general manager of the Whanganui Riverboat Centre, spoke to staff members about Mrs Te Huna. They told him she had been wonderful to work with and although it was a while since she had worked there, she would be sadly missed, Mr Perry said.
The cause of Sunday's crash outside the Landmeats factory on State Highway 3 is still being investigated.
A police spokesperson earlier said there had only been one person in each of the vehicles.
The 43-year-old driver of the other vehicle was initially taken to Wanganui Hospital but later transferred to Wellington Hospital, where he remained in a serious condition.
- Lin Ferguson, Wanganui Chronicle
