‘Their hopes and dreams are lost’

Community in shock after workers killed in crash

Tauranga’s Ni-Vanuatu community is mourning the loss of two men killed in a car crash.

Hamsen Surai, 32, and Barry Tari, 24, from Vanuatu, died when the car they were in crashed on to a garage, narrowly missing a Te Puke home, about 1.30am on Sunday.

The two men were seasonal workers at Trevelyan Pack and Cool Ltd in Te Puke.

Two other men were injured.

A 30-year-old last night remained in a stable condition at Tauranga Hospital and a 31-year-old was treated and discharged on Sunday.

Tauranga Ni-Vanuatu resident Roxy Burt said the tragedy will have a devastating impact on the Ni-Vanuatu communities in New Zealand and in Vanuatu.

“Being from Vanuatu means you grow up deeply embedded in a tight-knit family environment. Everyone in this extended family takes responsibility

for your wellbeing.”

The ripple effects of the loss of two young lives will be farreaching, she added.

“They will have come to New Zealand carrying hopes and dreams not only for themselves but for their families and wider communities. It’s devastating to think that these hopes and dreams are now lost.

“As a resident Ni-Vanuatu here in the Bay of Plenty I hope that our community doesn’t see this loss as being isolated to the Ni-Vanuatu community. It’s a loss for all of us,” she said.

“As the mothers, fathers, grandparents, uncles, aunties, cousins, sisters, brothers and wider communities of these men begin to gather and prepare to bring them home and farewell them for the final time, I know that the tears will be flowing.”

Trevelyan Pack and Cool managing director James Trevelyan said the company was providing round-the-clock support for the Ni-Vanuatu community.

“Our absolute priority at the moment is to rally together, with the friends and family of those involved,” he said.

“We are also working with the relevant authorities in Vanuatu to support the families and community of those involved.”

A service was held on Sunday at the Paengaroa Bible Chapel to commemorate the men killed. Staff visited the crash site for a blessing.

Western Bay of Plenty mayor Garry Webber commended Trevelyan for his support for the Ni-Vanuatu community.

A 32-year-old has been charged with one count of careless driving causing injury.

It’s devastating to think that these hopes and dreams are now lost.

Roxy Burt, Tauranga Ni-Vanuatu community member