Tears for girl who never made ball

One of the crash survivors attends the funeral for her friend, Kristi-Rae Ruri-Gardiner. Photo / Christine Cornege

Thousands have farewelled a teenage girl killed while driving with friends to pick up their school ball gowns.

Kristi-Rae Ruri-Gardiner, 18, died in Waikato Hospital after her car spun out of control on a wet road outside Rotorua and was smashed into by an oncoming vehicle.

Four friends were also hurt in the crash last Thursday.

One remains in intensive care and two others are temporarily in wheelchairs.

The group had left school at interval to get last-minute supplies two days before their ball.

Police have said speed may have been a factor in the accident.

Kristi's family and friends said yesterday that the effervescent Rotorua Girls' High School prefect never stopped having fun and would always be listening to music and dancing.

Her best friend, Lavinia Marra, a high school classmate, has sat by Kristi's coffin every day since it was brought back to Rotorua.

"These past few days have probably been the hardest days of our lives. It doesn't seem fair for Kristi to be taken from us. No teenage girl should have to bury their best friend," Lavinia said.

Kristi's father, Selwyn Ruri, said an incredible number of people had dropped by the house to support the family and pay their respects to Kristi.

"There would be girls there from morning to night. And just before they leave, one at a time, they would have tears in their eyes," Mr Ruri said.

Kristi's mother, Karen Gardiner, said she would not be able to stop looking out for texts from Kristi saying "I love you".

A full crowd packed the school's auditorium for the funeral service, lining the walls and filling the balconies.

It began with plenty of typical teenage jostling in the back rows, but the crowd that filed out at the end was mostly in tears.

Many pupils had stood up on stage to celebrate Kristi's character, saying "If it were me, I know she would be up here saying something for me".

Students from nearby schools attended, as well as many members of the public.

The school's ball has been postponed until August 21.

The other girl seriously hurt in the crash, Tui Martin, 17, remains in critical condition at Waikato Hospital. Two other teenagers are also in intensive care there after a van carrying 12 people rolled on its way back to Rotorua from a party in Taupo on July 17.

Two more teenagers from the accident are also in the hospital's wards.

Another crash in the region killed a teenager in Te Puke on Sunday.

Bay of Plenty police's road policing manager, Inspector Kevin Taylor, said: "My plea to young people is to not let the suffering of your friends be in vain. Learn these lessons for life, and have a long life."