A Whakatane woman killed in a crash on Thursday has been described by a close friend as the glue that held everyone together.
Jacqueline Beryl Coleman-Hayes died when the car she was driving collided with a truck and trailer unit on State Highway 30, near the Kawerau Rd turn-off, about 8.30am.
She was thrown from her car and died at the scene.
Close friend Beverley Hughes said the 51-year-old, known as Jackie to her friends and family, was a person who accepted everyone and judged none.
"Jackie worked three jobs," Ms Hughes said. "She worked at Bizzy Buddies, Te Waipuna o Ariki o Matangireia Early Childhood Centre and was a co-tutor of the Incredible Years for Parents Programme.
"These jobs were indicative of Jackie's love for children and her desire to help her families."
Ms Coleman-Hayes left behind two sons who yesterday were spending time with family and reminiscing about their mother.
"Not only was she there for her sons, she was also a rock for their friends as well.
"Jackie was dearly loved by all who knew her and her death leaves a hole we cannot yet begin to comprehend," Ms Hughes said.
Tributes for Ms Coleman-Hayes were flowing on Facebook including loving posts from parents whose children she used to care for. Others described her as a beautiful soul, with a beautiful smile and positive energy.
One friend said the world would be a lesser place without Ms Coleman-Hayes in it.
Police have also named the man killed when a car he was a passenger in hit a power pole on Reid Rd, near Ruatoki, on Wednesday night.
He was Te Maari Tamakaimoana Hohua, 36, of Flaxmere, Hastings.
The 33-year-old driver of the car suffered moderate injuries.
Police suspect alcohol and speed may have been factors in the crash, which is under investigation.