Victims of horrific Taupo crash named

Police have released the names of the four people who died in the horrific Taupo crash on Tuesday.

They were Mele Ilisapi Oliveti, 44, a Tongan national residing in Palmerston North, Helena Adele Paul, 56, of Kaikohe, Leighton Phillip Ahuriri, 60, a New Zealander residing in Western Australia, and Hone Te Ahurei Hawkins-Kanuta, 5, of Kaikohe.

Police's thoughts are with the whanau and loved ones of all those involved in the crash.

A police spokeswoman said they wanted to thank everyone who assisted at the crash scene, as well as witnesses to the crash who have spoken to police since the crash.

"This was a horrific event for all involved and we would encourage anyone who feels they need support at this time to contact Victim Support. Victim Support is available to witnesses and people who assisted at the crash scene, as well as those directly involved in the crash."

Police have crossed out both speed and alcohol as factors in the crash, however the Serious Crash Unit investigation into a cause is ongoing.