Crash kills dad of 5 at Kawakawa Bay, police want answers

The family of Sakaria Poutasi, second from left, are in mourning after his death in a car crash. Photo / Supplied

Police are appealing for witnesses to a crash which left a talented and loving father of five dead.

Sakaria Poutasi, 39, died at the scene after the car he was driving collided with another vehicle on Clevedon-Kawakawa Bay Rd in south east Auckland on September 15 just before 9am.

Police said today another vehicle crossed the centre line and collided with his vehicle.

They want to speak with anyone who may have seen a blue hatchback or silver sedan driving from Kawakawa Bay toward Clevedon between 8.15am and 8.45am on September 15.

Potasi's wife of 18 years, early childhood teacher Pauline Faalua Rasch Poutasi, told the Herald he loved his family, going fishing, playing music, going to church and eating her homemade banana cake.

Poutasi leaft behind his wife and their five children - 18-year-old Benjamin, their daughter Ina'ocosta, 16, Vavega, 12, Living, 9, and John, 4.

He and Pauline had also adopted their 17-year-old niece Graceleen.

Pauline said the kids were lonely without him.

"He really encouraged and challenged our children to go to school and get better jobs, to be better than him," she said.

Family, colleagues and other community members farewelled Poutasi at a large funeral service yesterday at their Mangere church.

Pauline said people had rallied around to help the mourning family, delivering flowers and food, helping with decorations and even driving.

Pauline said she was holding up after the loss of her companion of 18 years, with whom she moved to New Zealand from Samoa in 2009: "I'm getting there. I have friends and family here from New Zealand, Samoa and Australia."

She remembered her husband as a man with a good sense of humour who loved to share his musical talents with children.

"He loved his kids and his wife, and he loved to eat. He loved to keep me busy by making him pineapple pie and banana cake."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Hollie Given of the Counties Manukau Serious Crash Unit on 09 261 1300.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.