One of the widows of Saturday's Kaipara Harbour boating tragedy has revealed she has terminal cancer.
Ann Marsters told One News of her heartbreak at losing her partner of 37 years, Fred Marsters.
"I just can't say how much I am going to miss him, I don't know how I am going to live without him.
"He was my rock. I've been diagnosed with terminal cancer and he has just been amazing. He's always been there for me.
"He influenced so many people's lives, he loved our kids passionately, he texted them and told them how proud he was of them."
Their three children - Jordan, Torrie and Freddie jnr - were devastated by their dad's passing, Marsters said.
"They didn't get a chance to say goodbye to him."
The family had been supported by Auckland's Cook Islands community since investigators confirmed on Sunday that Marsters was among the victims.
She said was grateful for the years she shared with Marsters.
"I've had such a wonderful life with Fred."
Marsters' brother Wally also told 1 News of the heartbreak he felt after hearing about his death.
"My life sort of came to a standstill because my little brother's the rock of our family."