Three people who died in a crash in Central Hawke's Bay have been identified.
Police confirmed they were 18-year-old Julianna Hickey of Matamau, 18-year-old Sharrisse Tuaiti Perawiti Taputerangituatea (also known as Sharrisse Perawiti) of Dannevirke, and 17-year-old Anahera Tienda Kaa of Dannevirke police said on Thursday.
The three young victims were in a car travelling on State Highway 2, near the small township of Takapau, when it collided with a truck last Thursday.
Emergency services responded to the scene, between Snee Rd and Byrne Rd, at 2.48pm.
"Silver Fern Farms is very saddened to confirm that employees were involved in the road accident near Takapau.
"Our thoughts are with their families and our team at Takapau."
A minute's silence for workmates
An employee said staff honoured their workmates with a minute's silence after being told of the tragedy.
He said they were on their way to work when they were involved in the crash.
The company is now looking to make sure the victims' families are being taken care of at this time.
"We are supporting them through this tragic incident."
Tararua mayor Tracey Collis said the crash was devastating.
"There has been a lot of devastation at the school and in the community right now.
"It's absolutely tragic for current and past pupils of many years and it is being felt deeply throughout the community, the teachers, the students and all the whānau.
"We want to express our heartfelt sympathies to the whānau and to the wider community.