Family and friends of Alan Taka, who was killed in an early morning car accident on Te Aute Hill last week, are mourning the loss of a man with a "cheeky grin" and "good heart".
"Alan we always remember your cheeky grin and wicked laugh, as long as there is a family member on earth you will never be forgotten little bro," a family member posted on Facebook.
"You lived your life your way, you had the courage to be yourself, wish we had all learnt from it. You left a lot of people behind that truly loved you for your good heart and fun-filled ways."
The father-of-two died after crashing into roadworks and losing control on loose gravel while travelling north on Friday.
Police believe he was not wearing a seatbelt.