Family of one of the men killed in last night's horror crash have described him as a kind, loving and humble young man.

Halani Fine, 28, one of five men who died when leaving the Aongatete Coolstores after their 8pm shift, when the driver pulled out of Dawsons Road on State Highway 2.

Halani Fine. Photos: Supplied.

Police say the vehicle, which was heading north on State Highway 2, when it was struck by a southbound truck and trailer unit.

The other victims are father and son, Koli Vaipulu (son), 21, and Uloupini (Stephen) Vaipulu (father), 44, Sione Teulaka, 21, and Samuela Taukatelata, 28.

Many of the workers' colleagues saw the unladen logging truck smash into their car.

Koli Vaipulu.

Halani Fine's sister says he carried a warm smile, musical talents and a warm spirit.

She told Stuff her brother was as kind, loving and a humble young man.

Sitiveni Vaipulu was killed along with his son Koli.

"Halani was very active in the church and passionate about the Lord's work. In church and in his community, Halani served as role model/brother to many.

"I can't tell whether it was his contagious smile, musical talents or warm spirit that made him so lovable. Maybe all three."

Samuela Taukatelata.

Halani, who was the driver of the car, was from a small village in Tonga called Ha'ateiho.

Friend and co-worker of the Vaipulus, Blair Robertson says Steven (Sitiveni) worked with his fiance, Alexandria.

"Koli was basically like a big brother to her and Steven was like a father to her. The two of therm were just pretty amazing individuals. There's nothing they wouldn't do for anybody.

"They would bend over backwards, drop anything to come and assist - they're just two top guys."

Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton says the crash is a tragedy for the men and their families, with the driver of the truck also being offered appropriate support.

'Our deepest sympathies are with the families of all five men, including the Vaipulu family, who have lost two loved family members in this tragic crash.

"The driver of the truck was also left badly shaken and is being offered appropriate support.”

Clifford says police are continuing to liaise with the mens' families in both New Zealand and Tonga, with the assistance of the Tongan consulate.

The police investigation into the crash was continuing, he says.

'We are also very mindful of other families who have lost loved ones in crashes in other parts of the country since Monday night, and encourage all drivers to please take care and drive to the conditions, as we don't want to see anyone else needlessly lose their lives on our roads.”

The incident has shocked work colleagues.

Workmates and friends gathered outside their workplace sharing hugs and tears this morning.

All five men in a montage posted on Facebook. Image: Facebook.

Only 12 hours earlier they had been working with their friends.

When the shift finished at 8pm, the five men clocked out and were heading home to Katikati for the night.

They turned right onto SH 2 into the path of an oncoming southbound logging truck.

It was a horror scene for workers at the packhouse, who were close enough to hear the bang.

Some ran out to find their friends dead in the wreck.

The packhouse was closed today but those who knew the men were gathering inside to support each other.

Allan Dawson, managing director at Aongatete, was visibly upset about the loss of what he says were "willing and friendly" workers.

"They were lovely people and were just so willing and helpful and actually quite skilled as well.

"They were just so friendly and you couldn't ask for better people to work for you. It really affects you to the core and has ripples right through the organisation."

Allan has been in touch with the seasonal worker's liason officer who had briefed the Tongan Prime Minister in Auckland.

"We expect he may come down today. We are just looking to support everyone in any way we can and get bodies back to Tonga."

The stretch of road where the crash occurred has a high crash rate.

Allan Dawson, Aongatete managing director, speaks about the crash. Photo: George Heard/FAIRFAX.

Allan says there had been other crashes at the intersection where traffic coming from Katikati typically wasn't seen until it came across the bridge.

"It's in a hollow. I'm not even sure if that was the case as it appears the car drove straight in front of the truck."

Allan had spoken to the Transport Agency about the installation of a right hand turning lane into Dawson Rd.

"But that wouldn't have had any influence on that accident."

He wanted to see a street light installed at the corner, to provide better lighting at the intersection, in line with other intersections along the road.

"I feel that may help. I don't think there were any things that would have helped in this regard unfortunately."

Tributes for the five men continue to flow for the five Tongan men tragically lost in last night's crash.

Family members, work colleagues and friends have written tributes to the five men.

Sione Polangi Paea posted on Facebook; Rest easy brothers – Koli Vaipulu, Veni Vaipulu, Sione Teulaka, Samu Taukatelata, and Halani Fine.

'It was an honour and a blessing to know some of you personally. I am saddened by this news, but I trust God is always in control. Halani - I will miss you dearly, brother!”

Blair Robertson posted about his friend Koli Baipulu.

'Waking this morning to hear about the tragedy that happened last night in Aongatete, beart breaking news… We love you guys and will be in our hearts forever. To all family and friends our thoughts are with you.”

Tamara Hemana posted it is a 'huge loss to the community”.

'Rest in peace Koli Vaipulu and your dad and work colleagues. Absolutely heart breaking. Be careful out there everybody.”

Additional reporting: Stuff.