Hamilton fire victim was infectious and fun-loving - family

One of the Hamilton fire victims has been described by her family as an infectious and fun-loving young woman.

Toni Maree Johnston's brother, Greg, and father, Mark, have spoken about their grief over the 23-year-old's death on the weekend.

She and two others, Jake Hayes, 19 and Connor Swetman, 17, perished in the blaze early Saturday morning.

Toni, a boxing fanatic, had only just arrived home shortly before the 5am fire broke out in the 95-year-old villa in the central city.

"One phone call on Saturday morning completely changed our lives," Greg Johnston said.

"It has been the worst week of disbelief, hope, heartbreak, anger, and incredible sadness."

Mr Johnston said his sister, the youngest of three siblings, was "infectious and loveable".

"She was really excited about starting her new job in Auckland and was looking forward to living closer to and spending more time with all of our family, uncles, aunties, cousins and their children."

She was "passionate about people and had a unique approach to life", he said.

The father and brother of Toni Maree Johnston speak at a press conference at the Hamilton Police Station. Photo / Christine Cornege

Mr Johnston, whose father, Mark, sat quietly beside him at the press conference held at the Hamilton Police Station, said the week following the fire had been exhausting.

"We still have many unanswered questions."

He thanked emergency services and those who had reached out to the family.

"The overwhelming flood of support has been amazing. The messages, emails, flowers, calls, visitors, food, photos and donations mean so much to us all."

A statement from the family of Jake Hayes thanked those who had helped the family or been at the scene and left tributes to the car enthusiast.

"Thank you, it truly means a lot."

The statement said the family's thoughts and hearts go out to the other families affected by the tragedy and they thanked fire-fighters for the grim task of bringing "the kids out of the house in what were awful conditions and circumstances".

Jake's would be the first of the three funerals tomorrow, while Miss Johnston's and Mr Swetman's would follow on Saturday, and the families have asked for privacy.

Hamilton Police Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said police hoped to know in the next few days the cause of the fire, which left the two-storey villa charred and unstable.

The property on Collingwood St had been handed back to the owners and insurance assessors were now at the scene.