ANZ manager killed in crash ‘loved life’

A bank worker from Nelson, killed when a truck collided with the minivan she was a passenger in, was a ‘‘genuinely lovely person’’ who loved life.

The manager, who worked at ANZ in Richmond, was travelling with five of her work colleagues to Hanmer Springs on Friday night, when the crash occurred on State Highway 65 near Maruia. She died at the scene. Police are yet to release her name. The driver of the minivan, a 34-yearold man, is in intensive care in Christchurch hospital, in a stable condition. A woman, also airlifted from the crash scene to Christchurch with serious injuries, is stable.

Three others received moderate to minor injuries and were treated in Nelson hospital. At least one has been discharged. The truck driver was not injured. Those in the van were from the Nelson, Richmond and Motueka branches of the bank and were due to meet colleagues from Christchurch.

Neil Hodgson from Nelson-based Savage and Savage Chartered Accountants said the woman who died had been their business banking manager for some time.

‘‘We developed a really good working relationship with her. She was just a genuinely lovely person to work with.

‘‘One of life’s just genuinely nice people.’’

About 18 months ago, she had taken some extended leave and travelled through Europe, Hodgson said.

‘‘She just loved life, you know, got out there lived it. And she was just excited about things she was doing, and she got excited for clients who were doing well and succeeding.’’

Hodgson said the company’s heart went out to ANZ staff.

The manager had been with the bank for around 14 years, and was believed to have joined shortly after leaving school, ANZ spokesman Peter Parussini said.

ANZ representatives had visited next of kin, and ‘‘offered them as much support as we can give,’’ he said.

Chief executive David Hisco had sent an email to the 7000 ANZ staff across New Zealand, sending condolences and offering support and counselling.

‘‘We are a very close-knit organisation right across the country and this is a big shock to everyone.’’