Ngatai moved from Rotorua to Australia to pursue a better lifestyle and work opportunities about seven years ago.
"He finished high school and went straight into work, he was such a hard worker," she said.
That work was in scaffolding and rigging and in 2011 he received an award for being the most outstanding scaffolder in New Zealand.
"He would only get a week off with family.
"His wife Ariana said he would spend that giving 100 per cent of himself to his kids, he loved and adored them."
Ngatai Thomson was a loved husband, uncle, friend, son, brother and father. Photo/Supplied She said Ariana's family took her brother on as if he was one of their own.
"They loved him just as much as we do, and they did anything and everything they could for him."
The couple had two sons Jury, 12 and Piniera, 11.
"As busy as he was, he touched a lot of people's hearts and gave up so much time to help people," his sister said.
"His whole life revolved around doing the best he could to be a role model for his sons."
His mother-in-law described Ngatai as "the best son-in law we could ever have asked for".
"He was an uncle that loved all his nieces and nephews with all his heart, and we will always love and miss him."
His mum, who also asked not to be named, said her son had a heart big enough "it could illuminate any room with kindness and love".
"That's just how he was, generous, kind and humble."
Ngatai grew up surrounded by a large family, spending a lot of time with his grandparents.
"He was one of the eldest mokopuna and my parents loved him," his mum said.
"We nicknamed him our golden boy, because that's what he was to all of us."
She said her son was a good student during his time at Western Heights High School.
"He had a large network of mates who loved him dearly, and he loved them too.
"Even when others did him wrong, he was so polite, he would just carry on."
The family of Ngatai Thomson have started a Givealittle page to help ease the financial strain on his family. Photo/Supplied Ngatai's wife said she wanted people to know he was "a loved husband, uncle, friend, and the best father anyone could ever ask for".
"He was loved by everyone who knew him. He was the hardest worker and loved scaffolding from the day he started."
His employer, Inpex Australia, are paying the costs of returning his body to New Zealand.
His family have started a Givealittle page to help support his wife and children.
Ngatai's cousin Kirsty Butler created the page in the hopes of relieving some of the stress.
"Ngatai and Ariana took me in when I was 17, I have always had an extremely strong relationship with them," she said.
"I'm in a world of emotions at the moment."
Butler said on behalf of his wife and kids she'd like to thank everyone for all the love and support during this hard time.
To make a donation visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/our-fallen-brother-ngatai-thomson .
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