Napier bus tragedy: Mum who died at traffic light crossing remembered fondly by loved ones

Wande Braimoh died on Friday when she was hit by a bus in Napier. Photo / Supplied

A pregnant Napier mum who was killed after being hit by a bus on her way to her new job has been remembered as an “amazing person” and “a joy” to be around.

Olawande Braimoh, 36, best known as Wande, died on Friday morning when she was hit by a bus on Tennyson St while walking to work.

It is understood the incident happened at a crossing controlled by lights.

A police investigation is ongoing into the circumstances.

There were passengers on the GoBay bus, but no other injuries were reported.

Braimoh moved to Hawke’s Bay from Nigeria in 2023 with her husband and son.

A Givealittle page has been set up to support her family.

She was just a few days into her new job at the Ministry of Social Development, which has offices next to the crash site.

The bus crash happened about 8.30am on Friday. Photo / NZME

Flowers have been left at the location along with kind messages, and friends and family gathered there on Sunday to honour her.

She was a much-loved member of Napier Baptist Church and the African community in Hawke’s Bay.

Close friend Tobi Bamidele said she was “just a joy”.

“She works really, really hard, she’s kind, she’s loving, she’s friendly, she carries people along, she and her family are really good people,” she said.

“She is a very loving person, and she is someone that everyone in the African community knows so well. She is involved in everything we do.

“She is someone who doesn’t hold grudges against people; she is just an amazing person who was doing well for herself and for her family.

“We are all really devastated hearing about this accident that happened. It’s all really sad.”

Flowers have been left near the crash site. Photo / NZME

Another close friend, Momo McCallum, recalled the first time she met Braimoh, at a gathering of Africans living in Hawke’s Bay.

“I remember walking into the event ... and I’m naturally introverted, so before I walked in I had this little thought of going back home.

“Before that thought was complete I heard this voice, and it was Wande, and the first thing that came out of her mouth was ‘hi sis where are you from?’

“And before I could respond she embraced me, and that was the first time I met Wande.”

She said Braimoh had a “beautiful smile” and a special way of noticing when someone needed friendship or community, and would connect people together.

She said Braimoh was even planning to host the next Africans in Hawke’s Bay get-together at her home in May, for about 50 people.

She said she was also a great dancer, and would “convince you with your two left feet to stand up and dance and forget you are in a crowd setting”.

Ministry of Social Development East Coast regional commissioner Steve Smits-Murray confirmed she worked at MSD.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this tragic time.

“We are working with our Hawke’s Bay staff to make sure they are receiving the support they need.”

Another friend, Emily Williams, said Wande moved to New Zealand to build a better life with her family.

“Her husband and son joined her three months later, beginning a new chapter together filled with hope and purpose,” she said.

“She worked as a support worker at Hohepa, where her compassion and dedication made a meaningful difference in the lives of those she cared for.

“Just last week, she had begun a new role at the Ministry of Social Development, a step that reflected her long-held dream of putting her Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and social work, earned in Nigeria, fully into practice.

“Wande was especially passionate about working with children and young people.

“She expressed this not only through her professional work but also through volunteering in childcare at her local Baptist church.

“Her kindness, patience, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on all who encountered her.

“She had a special gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel seen and valued.”

She was also one of the founders of African Bible study groups running in Hawke’s Bay.

“Wande’s life was one of service, faith, and community.

“She will always be remembered for the love she gave so freely.”