"Anyone who knew Trevor knew he could be trusted, no matter the nature of your relationship, which is why we are struggling to come to terms with the situation," he said.
Mr Waite worked for Vero for 15 years, and Mr Gillatt said he kept lifelong friends due to his "kind, caring" nature.
"Trevor was loyal, and a good person in every single way."
Ms Stanton's brother in law John Kenyon described her as bubbly and sociable.
"She lived life to the full. Unfortunately her life was cut short," he said.
Ms Stanton leaves behind two daughters and three grandchildren, Mr Kenyon said she had recently started working as a flight attendant, which she enjoyed.
"She was a very positive person."
Both men urged whoever was responsible for the deaths or anyone with information to come forward.
They also asked for privacy or the grieving families.
In a statement today, police said the victims were believed to have met through the meetup.com website, and had a shared interest in hiking and mountain biking.
Detective Inspector Dave Lynch has previously confirmed the bodies were found "on the bed'' with gunshot wounds.
"I don't believe this is a random crime ... There are indications at the scene that the offender was known to one or both of the victims. There is no firm suspect, we are keeping an open mind,'' he said.
A friend of Ms Stanton, Mark Hockley, who knew her from Paihia, said last night that when he saw her earlier this month, she was the happiest he had seen her in years.
"She looked better and happier than she had for a long time so I don't know if it was a new job or what. I am just in shock at the moment.''
Martin Strange, Mr Waite's neighbour and president of the Drury United Football Club, said he was a well-known and well-liked club member.
- APNZ
