Taupō fatal crash: Thousands expected at tangi for seven

Thousands are expected to turn up to the tangi for the seven members of the Poutawa whanau who died in a horror car crash at the weekend. The tūpāpaku were due to arrive at Moteo Marae near Napier overnight, escorted by two busloads of relatives. Ngāti Kahungunu's chair, Ngahiwi Tomoana, says as soon as they found out the family were part of the iwi, they started to offer all the assistance they could.

Mr Tomoana told RNZ reporter Michael Cropp that preparations started with putting marquees up and sending food to Moteo Marae, and providing vehicles for whānau to go to Hamilton to be with their loved ones. They also helped organise for a police liaison officer, and a board member to be available as well, so they could see what more they could do, Mr Tomoana said.