Pair killed shared same birthday

A mother and daughter who shared a birthday and died on the same day in a head-on collision near Tokoroa will be remembered for their tight bond and giving spirits.

Police released the names yesterday of the two women killed in the crash. They were Aere Tito, 50, and her mother, 80-year-old Ngatokorua Tangimataiti.

The crash, which happened along State Highway 1 on Saturday, left four others injured - all are still at Waikato hospital.

Family spokesman Teariki Mataki-Kaiaruna said the pair would be remembered for their steadfast generosity and spirit of community.

"They were both dedicated to everything they did and loved to give - that's what the community will remember them for - their giving spirits."

Mr Mataki-Kaiaruna said the family was doing okay and the support from the local churches and community had been a big comfort.

"I have never seen a community support a grieving family the way Tokoroa's community has. The way they have banded around us and given us kai and support has been overwhelming and has gone a long way to helping us through this time."

He said around 600 people were expected to turn out to the pair's funeral this Thursday at 11am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Duke St, Tokoroa.

Tokoroa police Senior Sergeant Daniel Peat said the mother and daughter shared a birthday.

National police road policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally said there had been too many crashes since the holiday period began.

"People's driving behaviour has not been safe. Some families have already had their Christmas holiday ruined by these tragedies.

Mr Greally said he wanted to stress that many of these crashes could have been avoided if "people kept their wits about them and had driven with care and caution".

"People need to drive to the conditions. There's a lot of traffic on the roads over this time, and we all need to take more care."