‘‘She just gives everything her best – I’m so proud of her.’’

‘‘She was a surf lifesaver here at Waihi Beach and she became a chief scout two years ago, she just gives everything her best – I’m so proud of her.’’

Emilie, who would have turned 18 in two weeks, grew up in the town of Olds in Alberta, Canada. She moved with her mother, two brothers and younger sister back to New Zealand in 2007.

In an emotional Facebook tribute to his sister, older brother Kelby, 19, described her as ‘‘a wonderful person who I will miss everyday’’.

‘‘I loved my sister, she always made me feel better when I was down so I will pray that she is at peace now.’’ Mr Cochrane paid tribute to the wellloved school leader.

‘‘Emilie was deputy services leader which meant helping out with running things like SADD [Students Against Drunk Driving], the school ball and the like,’’ he said.

Mr Cochrane called an emotional assembly yesterday morning where staff and students were offered counselling.

‘‘You could feel the community pull together – they always do at a time like this – the students support the teachers and the teachers are there for the students.’’

It’s the second time in 18 months the college has had to deal with losing students through a car accident.

Dylan Perkinson, 17, and Vance Williams, 16, died in a crash after two cars collided on SH2 just south of the turnoff to Waihi Beach in January last year.

‘‘It’s an absolute tragedy for us and the school community are pulling together to support each other and the family,’’ Mr Cochrane said.

Emilie’s funeral will be at Waihi College at midday on Friday.

Mr Cochrane said he had no qualms over closing the school to allow students and teachers to attend.

Meanwhile, the driver of a vehicle killed near Taupo on Sunday afternoon has also been named.

Glynn Robyn Ng, a 62-year-old female from Upper Hutt, was the sole occupant of a Mazda vehicle that collided with a laden truck-and-trailer unit near Taupo.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the incident.

Ms Ng’s death has been referred to the coroner.