Five from one family buried on the same day after a tragic crash took their lives

"Loss is the disappearance of something you cherish."

Even the words of the priest could not make sense of the five coffins that were surrounded by whānau, flowers and picture frames at Te Pākira Marae yesterday.

Peter Senior Rangikataua, 44, from Rotorua, his nephew Rangi Rangikataua, 26, from Mokai and Peter's three daughters Michelle Morgan-Rangikataua, 15, Aroha Morgan-Rangikataua, 14, and Kahukura Morgan-Rangikataua, 12 all died in a single-vehicle crash on Tirohanga Rd at Mokai, north of Taupō, last Monday.

The farewell of the five people killed in the crash near Taupō last Monday. Photo / Stephen Parker

Their 11-year-old brother, Isaac Morgan-Rangikataua, was the only survivor.

With hundreds of people dressed in black, the only sound was a faint, sombre murmur as people trickled in.

Geothermal steam rose between people and speakers were placed around the marae to project the tangi.

The sun shone but an icy wind blew through those there to mourn, cry, hold one another, and to say goodbye to the young lives tragically taken.

Sunny Wikiriwhi delivered a tribute poem on behalf of the Wikiriwhi whānau.

With a shaky voice and frequent pauses, she spoke of the happiness and love those who died had brought others - memories they would hold on to forever.

"The angels have you in their keeping, we have you in our hearts," she said.

Wikiriwhi had previously told the Rotorua Daily Post the tragedy was even greater considering the girls killed had also lost their mother, Moana Morgan, in September 2015.

Monday's event was a dark day for Te Arawa and Rotorua, she had said, as they tried to come to terms with the shock of losing five members of one family.

The priest delivered a sermon and described the helplessness and void left after such a loss.

A haka in the middle of the marae led Peter and Rangi out first. The coffins of Michelle, Aroha and Kahukura followed shortly after. Photo / Stephen Parker

"You never expect such a tragedy to happen to someone you know," she said, let alone five at once."

She said it was now the beginning of the next journey for those who had died.

A haka in the middle of the marae led Peter and Rangi out first.

The coffins of Michelle, Aroha and Kahukura followed shortly after. Bright balloons and the bouquets peeked through the dark clothing of those who walked with the girls.

Michelle and Aroha were students at Rotorua Lakes High School and Kahukura went to Rotorua Intermediate School.

The three sisters were taken to Tūtanekai Marae at Hinemoa Point in Rotorua where they were buried beside their mother.

The bodies of Peter Senior Rangikataua and Rangi Rangikataua were laid to rest at Mokai.

A Givealittle page has been set up to support the children left without parents and Rangi's daughter.