One British cyclist was killed and three others seriously injured in the collision between a car and four-seater bike on a rural Wairarapa road.
The group of four had hired the quadricycle from a nearby business about 45 minutes earlier.
“Over the weekend, I received an email from Amanda, the sister of one of the cyclists involved in Thursday’s tragic accident,” South Wairarapa District Deputy Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter said on social media.
“She wrote from the heart about what her family is going through - the physical injuries, the emotional pain, and the long road ahead for all those affected. Reading her words was both humbling and deeply moving.”
The crash happened on Puruatanga Rd, Martinborough. Photo / Google Maps
Sadler-Futter said Amanda had shared her gratitude for the “exceptional care and communication” they have received from the agencies and organisations involved.
“Amid everything they are facing, she asked me to pass on her heartfelt thanks - to all of you who have shown your support, and especially to those who rushed to the scene to help in any way they could. Amanda said, ‘I simply can’t thank you enough‘.”
Amanda told Sadler-Futter the friends and family of the group had been following news articles and social media posts about the crash and were “blown away with the show of support.”
“This was a powerful reminder to me that the words we share - especially online - are seen by those most affected.
“It’s worth remembering the ‘three gates’ before we speak or write: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind? A simple but important principle for all of us to keep in mind,” Sadler-Futter said.
“In a close-knit community like ours, events like this can affect us in unexpected ways. I hope you’re all finding the support you need and taking care of yourselves as you process this difficult situation.”
She shared her thanks to the community for “wrapping your support around those involved and impacted by this accident”.
“I am reminded of the Māori proverb: ‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.’—What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people."
‘It’s incredibly upsetting’
The distressed owner of the cycle hire business the visitors rented the quadricycle from told the Herald he was beside himself on Thursday after hearing of the crash.
The crash was on a long stretch of wineries and vineyards, popular with cyclists.
Indi Bike owner Wayde Mines said the group hired the cycle about 10am. The crash was less than an hour later.
He said it was the first time in 10 years of operating that a hire bike had been in an accident.
