Talented young mother Phylicia Tamatoa killed in car accident in West Auckland

West Auckland crash victim Phylicia Tamatoa. Photo / Facebook

Family and friends of a young woman killed in a car accident over the weekend are mourning a devoted mum who had a passion for creativity.

Phylicia Tamatoa, known as Philly, died when a car collided with a taxi on Royal Rd, in Massey, West Auckland.

The crash happened about 3.45am on Saturday.

Tamatoa died at the scene and a second person suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police confirmed tonight that the second person is an adult and is now in a serious condition in hospital still.

The taxi driver received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

A source said Tamatoa had gone out to get food. The source did not believe alcohol was a factor in the crash.

Phylicia Tamatoa, known as Philly, died when a car collided with a taxi on Royal Rd in Massey. Photo / Facebook

Police say the serious crash unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and cannot comment further.

Tamatoa is survived by her young daughter.

Her father is en route to New Zealand from his home in Western Australia.

The source said Tamatoa was a much loved and popular young woman with many friends.

She was a student at the Samala Robinson Academy, training to be a professional makeup artist.

On May 20 she posted photographs of her work on Facebook and said she had passed all three of her recent assessments.

Her peers described her as talented, artistic and said her work was "out of this world".

"I definitely can say you enlightened us all with your beautiful strong vibrant positive soul and personality . . . we will never forget about you Phylicia," said one friend.

"You were such a good mum to your daughter and have inspired us all."

Phylicia was a student at the Samala Robinson Academy, training to be a professional makeup artist. Photo / Facebook

"Such a beautiful soul taken far too soon," said another.

"You had the biggest heart and was always the life of the party. You will be forever missed as you made such a huge impact on so many lives."

Tamatoa is a former student of Birkenhead College, on the North Shore, and old friends were also paying tribute to her tonight.

One old schoolmate remembered the time Tamatoa had jumped into a swimming pool to save a fellow classmate who appeared to be drowning.

"You saved him while everyone else [was] standing there watching him. You're a life-saver, girl. Love you, Philly.''

Another friend said she was "lost for words" and was in "total disbelief" Tamatoa was gone.

"As soon as you walked into a room you always turned heads girl, your gorgeous humour was one of a kind, your soft kind soul was like no other.

"I'm so grateful to have grown up with you."