Generous Kiwis dig deep for families of Kaipara boating tragedy

Victims of the Francie Kaipara fishing tragedy. Skipper Bill McNatty; Sunia Onga' unga; Alipate Manumu'a; Aue Aria. Bottom row L-R: Tevita Tangi; Fonau Taufa; Fred Marsters and Taulagi Afamasaga.

Members of the New Zealand public are giving generously to the families of the men who tragically died in a boating accident in Kaipara last month.

Fundraising pages have been set up by members of the community and friends connected to the eight men, whose bodies were recovered following the November 26 accident, when fishing charter vessel, the Francie, capsized on the Kaipara Harbour.

Those who died were Taulagi Afamasaga, 56; Auerua Ngametuaangai Aria, 59; Fred Marsters, 58; Tevita David Natisolo Tangi, 31; Fonua Amanu Taufa, 42;and 43-year-old Sunia Junior Ungo'unga. Three men survived the accident.

A GiveALittle page for the family of Ungo'unga has been set up by a friend of one of the fisherman's eldest daughters.

It pays tribute to a man who is said to have been the family's main breadwinner.

"Sunia was a father, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was the sole provider for his family.

"The community have set this page up as a way to support and love on the Ungo'unga family during this difficult time.''

So far, just over $600 has been donated. Some people left messages of support for Ungo'unga's loved ones.

One man said: "Sorry couldn't donate more. Really broke [at the moment].

"I hope you reach the amount you need. Much love.''

Another donator wrote: "Blessings upon blessings.''

All funds raised would go towards helping the family cover general expenses, as well as helping to pay for their father's funeral costs.

A fundraising effort has also been made for the family of 42-year-old Tongan man Fonua Amanu Taufa.

Taufa's wife, Debbie, wrote a heartbreaking message on Facebook after finding out her husband was among those who died.

"Lord, please help me to be strong,'' she wrote.

Fonua Taufa's work colleagues set up the GiveALittle page to help the family pay for funeral costs and particularly to get his casket to Tonga for burial.

Matthew Hutchinson wrote on the page: "I am involved because I am in charge of the building site where Fonua worked and was part of our team on site.

"We all want to help the family through this tough time and the only way we can really do that is raise some money and get it to them as quick as we can.''

Fundraising pages have also been created for the families of Samoan man Taulagi Afamasaga, whose body was recovered earlier this week, and father-of-four Tevita Tangi.

Auckland's St Heliers School organised a GiveALittle page as three of Tangi's young children are students there.

Those who wish to donate can do so below:

• Tangi family

• Ungo'unga family

• Afamasaga family

• Taufa family