A relative of Jack Victor Hugh Stephens has told the Otago Daily Times the family were "just pleased" a prosecution was going ahead over the fatal crash.
Police were alerted to the single-vehicle accident on the Niagara-Tokanui highway about 8.35pm on February 15, a police statement said.
The two other occupants of the car had serious to critical injuries.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Mr Stephens, of Tahakopa, died at the scene, police said.
On Thursday, four and a-half months on from the crash, police said a 20-year-old man had been charged with manslaughter in relation to the accident.
The relative said the family were still pretty upset and declined to comment further, saying they would wait and see what happened at the trial.
"It’s still too fresh," the family member said.
Auto-mechanic Caleb Molloy said he met Mr Stephens while they were both studying automotive engineering at the Southern Institute of Technology.
"We were just real good mates after that and just continued on through life ... until one day it all stopped [when he died]," he said.
He remembered Mr Stephens as a hard worker who during their time at SIT juggled school and a work placement while still finding time to drive tractors for a family friend in between.
"He was a pretty good guy," Mr Molloy said.
"He loved his tractors."
Luke Wilson said Mr Stephens was a "bloody good mate" you could have a laugh as well as a deeper conversation with.
"You could talk to him about anything," he said.
Mr Wilson said the loss of his friend had been "quite a bit" for him to take on board.
"It hasn’t been easy for me," he said.
After the man had been charged with manslaughter, he felt conflicting emotions, but mostly relief, Mr Wilson said.
"You never wish that on anyone, to be charged with manslaughter. But it’s kind of a relief knowing that he’s being held accountable for his actions," he said.
Mr Stephens was working at Agricentre South in Milton when he died.
Following his death, the business posted on social media it was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of its "valued colleague and friend".
It said Mr Stephens was a "hard-working, kind and respected workmate" and a cherished member of its team.
Police said the 20-year-old charged with manslaughter was due to appear in the Gore District Court on July 30.
