NZ girl's mysterious death in Australia

Amanda Tauai. Photo / Facebook

A former Tauranga woman has died suddenly in Western Australia after being struck by a mystery illness.

Former Tauranga Girls' College student and sportswoman Amanda Tauai came down with what was initially thought to be food poisoning, but the exact cause of her death remains unknown.

The Bay of Plenty Times understands the 21-year-old's family learned of the tragedy on Saturday and her parents rushed to Perth.

Ms Tauai had been working in Paraburdoo, a town in the Pilbara region more than 1500km north of Perth, when she fell ill.

She was rushed to Perth Hospital many hours away.

Most of the town's residents are employed by Pilbara Iron's mining operation and its support services.

Amanda was from a family well known in Tauranga, particularly in the volleyball scene.

She is the older sister of Andrea and Irene Tauai, who both have played representative volleyball.

The last post Amanda left on her Facebook page reads: "Awww I miss yous all so so so much!

"At least I'll be back debt free and rich ;D Love you all!"

A family spokesman said that they did not wish to comment for now and asked people to give relatives time to grieve.

A Tauranga Girls' College teacher paid tribute to the young woman who she said left college in 2008.

"Amanda was a really lovely girl. I remember her being into her volleyball. She was a really polite, and lovely student."