Families of two of the men who died Kaipara charter boat tragedy have gathered in Auckland today - a day that should have been one of celebration.
Tongan cousins Alipate 'Pate' Manumu'a and Sunia 'Junior' Ungo'unga died along with five others when the Francie charter boat unsuccessfully tried to cross the bar in the Kaipara Harbour.
The cousins, both in their 30s, were fathers.
Manumu'a had three children. He should have been at home with them today celebrating as his oldest turned seven.
Ungo'unga had four children.
Instead of a birthday party the families of both men have gathered at Ungo'unga's home in Manurewa following the tragedy.
Relatives told the Herald how the men would go fishing each weekend and charter the Francie with friends about once a month.
It is understood some of the men on the boat knew each other through their jobs at Independent Liquor, where Ungo'unga was also employed.
Manumu'a was a glass worker, his brother told the Herald.
There were close to 40 cars at the Ungo'unga's Manurewa property today with mourners gathered on the street, front yard and inside the home.
Ungo'unga's daughter said the family were too upset to speak aboutht the tragedy at this time.
Tributes to the men were being posted to social media today, mainly written in Tongan.
Messages of "ofa atu", Tongan for "best wishes" or "I love you", were being posted to Facebook, along with photos of the men.
READ MORE
• Kaipara Harbour fishing boat tragedy: Seven dead, one missing from Francie charter vessel
• Kaipara fishing charter tragedy: Skipper Bill McNatty among the seven dead
• Pacific Peoples' Minister Sam Lotu-Iiga offers condolences to Kaipara Harbour tragedy victims' families
• Kaipara Harbour tragedy: Volunteer lifeguards battled monster 7m waves
• Not everyone wearing lifejackets during 'scary' bar crossing
• Kaipara Harbour tragedy: Searchers battling choppy water and 2m swells