Tangi for five family members killed in same crash

The sun was shining but there was a chill in the air as mourners gathered for the tangi of five members of the same whānau who were killed in a horrific crash on Monday.

Geothermal steam rose up and there was a somber murmur as people filed in to Te Pākira Marae at Rotorua's Whakarewarewa village to find a seat.

Mourners are farewelling five members of the same whānau. Photo / Cira Olivier

Peter Senior Rangikataua, 44, from Rotorua, his nephew Rangi Rangikataua, 26, from Mokai and Peter's three daughters Michelle Morgan-Rangikataua, 15, Aroha Morgan-Rangikataua, 14, and Kahukura Morgan-Rangikataua, 12 all died in a single-vehicle crash on Tirohanga Rd at Mokai, north of Taupō.

Their 11-year-old brother, Isaac Morgan-Rangikataua, was the sole survivor of the crash.

A lively waiata was accompained by an acoustic guitar.

Speakers had been placed around the marae entrance, projecting the tangi to hundreds of mourners.

The five family members who died in a crash on Monday taken from the marae. Photo / Stephen Parker

Sunny Wikiriwhi gave a tribute poem on behalf of the Wikiriwhi whanau for all who had passed away.

With a shaky voice and frequent pauses, she spoke of the happiness and love all had brought them - memories they would hold on to forever.

"The angels have you in their keeping, we have you in our hearts."

Hundred gather to say goodbye to the five whānau they lost on Monday. Photo / Stephen Parker

The crowds trickled out behind the coffins of Michelle, Aroha and Kahukura who were taken away after their father Peter and their cousin Rangi.

Those who died in the crash at Kinleith were Rangi Rangikataua, 26, (left) Michelle Morgan-Rangikataua, 15, Peter Senior Rangikataua, 44, Kahukura Morgan-Rangikataua, 12, and Aroha Morgan-Rangikatau

Michelle and Aroha were students at Rotorua Lakes High School and Kahukura went to Rotorua Intermediate School.

Family spokeswoman Sunny Wikiriwhi had previously told the Rotorua Daily Post the tragedy was even greater considering the girls killed had also lost their mother, Moana Morgan, in September 2015.

The three sisters will be taken to Tūtanekai Marae at Hinemoa Point in Rotorua where they would be buried next to their mother.

The bodies of Peter Senior Rangikataua and Rangi Rangikataua would be taken to Mokai where they will be buried.

A Givealittle page has been set up to support the remaining family members.