Leauga Jerry Leauga, 37, and Ta’avao Kelemete, 32, were killed in the crash alongside their uncle Fa’aofo Uili Fa’aofo when a truckappeared to blow a tyre and crossed multiple lanes.
The van was also carrying three other Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer workers, aged 42, 39 and 21, who remain in hospital.
The youngest of the group suffered critical injuries.
The group were travelling to Auckland with the intention of flying to Samoa this week.
Two people in another vehicle and the truck driver, who has since been discharged from hospital, were treated for minor injuries.
Ta'avao Kelemete at work at EastPack Ōpōtiki.
EastPack Ōpōtiki site manager Tai Shepherd shared on social media today that Leauga and Kelemete were part of the community for three years while working in the packhouse and orchards to support their family in Samoa.
A Givealittle fundraiser has been set up by Samoan community leader Li’amanaia Kaisara in response to the crash to support the victims’ Samoa-based families.
It has gained more than $30,000 in donations in one day.
