Police have released the names of four people who died in a horrific crash in Taupo on Tuesday.
They were: Mele Ilisapi Oliveti (44), a Tongan national residing in Palmerston North, Helena Adele Paul (56), of Kaikohe, Leighton Phillip Ahuriri (60), a New Zealander living in Western Australia, and five-year-old Hone Te Ahurei Hawkins-Kanuta from Kaikohe.
Eight other people suffered a range of injuries, including a 10-month-old baby who was in Starship Hospital in a stable condition on Thursday.
Police said their thoughts were with the whanau and loved ones of all those involved in the two-vehicle crash.
A spokeswoman said they wanted to thank everyone who assisted at the crash scene, as well as witnesses to the crash who have spoken to police since the crash.
"This was a horrific event for all involved and we would encourage anyone who feels they need support at this time to contact Victim Support.
"Victim Support is available to witnesses and people who assisted at the crash scene, as well as those directly involved in the crash."
Police have ruled out speed and alcohol as factors in the crash, however the Serious Crash Unit investigation into a cause was continuing.
