Second tragic loss as mum of three dies in motorbike crash

Nikki Gapes died in a crash involving two motorbikes and a car near the Kaipara Harbour. Photo/Michael Craig

An Auckland man who lost his wife less than three years ago is now mourning the death of his partner following a motorcycle accident.

Nicola-Jane (Nikki) Gapes, 43, died after a crash involving two motorbikes and a car on the Kaipara Coast Highway northwest of Auckland on January 29.

Gapes' partner Simon Greenwood was seriously injured in the crash.

The accident comes less than three years after the death of Toni Nelson, Greenwood's wife and the mother of his three children. She lost a battle with cancer aged 50.

Greenwood, who was released from hospital in time for last Friday's funeral, declined to talk about his loss, but tributes have flowed for Gapes.

The full-time mum was well known in Auckland social circles and for her blog Personal Style Guide.

Gapes also designed a capsule collection with Kiwi designer Yvonne Bennetti and had worked as a model.

Gapes was a "wonderful mother" to her three kids. Photo/Supplied

Her ex-husband property developer Tony Gapes told the Herald on Sunday she was a "wonderful mother" to their kids Estella, 15, Mia, 13, and 10-year-old son Sam.

"She was completely devoted to them," he said.

"Nikki was a fun, loving, kind and caring person who was an amazing mother to our three beautiful kids. They were the light of her life and she was incredibly proud of them. We are all going to miss her."

The pair were married for 10 years before they separated about eight years ago.

Friend Jacque Lethbridge said Gapes was a great mum who provided a huge amount of support to other mothers from the schools her kids attended.

"I work full time and she would do really sweet things for me … helping me with my son or doing things for me at home when I was busy at work," Lethbridge said.

"She was always going the extra mile to help people.

"If she knew that I was going through a tough time, I'd come home and I would have flowers waiting at the front door and a little note from Nikki. She was that sort of person."

Lethbridge said people were in "absolute shock" over Gapes' death.

"It has been a hugely devastating loss for our community."

Her funeral was held in Parnell last Friday. Greenwood and Tony Gapes were pallbearers.

Police confirmed on Friday an investigation into the tragedy was being carried out by the Waitemata Serious Crash unit.