Sightseeing pleasure preceded death of Japanese mother and daughter

A Japanese student was showing her mother sights she had photographed when a collision with a train in North Otago killed them both.

Reiko Kunimatsu, 24, of Dunedin, and Shoko Kunimatsu, 57, died on Friday when the car they were in collided with a goods train on Kaik Rd, near the Waitaki River bridge, about 20km north of Oamaru.

Police and Tranz Rail are investigating. The train driver was shaken by the accident, but not hurt.

The father and husband of the two women arrived in Dunedin yesterday and was escorted by two New Zealand-based Japanese diplomats while he made arrangements.

He was not available for comment.

Reiko Kunimatsu had been in New Zealand for about five years. She had been studying towards a fine arts degree, majoring in photography. Her photographic works had been exhibited at galleries in Dunedin and a show of hers was under way in the city when she died.

Shoko Kunimatsu had been in the country since the beginning of December to attend her daughter's graduation.

Reiko Kunimatsu's close friend and former flatmate, Maria Hegarty, said Reiko had built up a wide circle of friends around New Zealand and would be sadly missed.

"She was very full of energy. She was very sporty - extremely active," Ms Hegarty said. "She has friends around the country who were students here and have moved on."

Ms Hegarty said that where Reiko's future lay after finishing her studies had been "up in the air".

- NZPA