Katikati Post harvest company Aongatete has pledged financial support for the families of its Tongan staff who were killed in a horrific road crash on Tuesday night.

Directors Allan and Nell Dawson expressed their deep condolences at last night's packed service for the men in Katikati, saying the company would support their families and help educate their children.

Tongan born Labour MP Jenny Latu Salesa appeals for roads to be made safer.

More than 500 people filled the Katikati Christian Centre to remember the lives of father and son, Koli Vaipulu (son), 21, and Uloupini (Stephen) Vaipulu (father), 44, Sione Teulaka, 21, Samuela Taukatelata, 28 and Halani Fine, 28.

All were employed at Aongatete Coolstores, four as part of the Recognised Seasonal Workers (RSE) programme. They were all here working to support their families back home.

Alan and Nell, and Aongatete packhouse manager Clive Exelby spoke of their high regard for each of the men, the vital roles they played in the company's operations and as leaders among staff.

Nell Dawson, Clive Exelby and Alan Dawson of Aongatete have pledged the company's on-going support for the families of the accident victims.

Mourners began gathering early at the centre where woven mats, photos of the five and flowers adorned the alter.

As they waited, the congregation, many wearing t-shirts with photos of the five, sang almost constantly, each new hymn lead by a strong male voice before everyone joined in with perfect harmony.

Among the speakers was Sefita Haoluli, liaison officer for Tonga for the RSE scheme.

He acknowledged the cultural diversity of those attending the service, from Tongan, to Samoan, to Ni Vanuatu to Solomon Islanders to Europeans and the Maori community.

'Tonight Katikati has become a Pacific Nation. You are here because you wish to share our sorrow, not just here but back home too.”

Sefita says Katikati has a lot to be proud of and is dealing with some issues as 'an assertive, courageous but caring community”.

Simi Vakasiuola, an elder among Katikati's Tongan community and volunteer fire fighter, speaking at last night's service.

Simi Vakasiuola, an elder among Katikati's Tongan community, also a volunteer firefighter who was among the first on the scene of the crash also spoke, reflecting on the love extended by the Katikati community.

Representatives of the Katikati Fire Brigade and Police were also in attendance as was Western Bay Mayor and Mayoress Ross and Robyn Paterson, Transport Minister Simon Bridges and representatives of government agencies involved in the RSE scheme.

The Minister for Pacific People Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga was also among the speakers.

He spoke of the importance to Tonga of the RSE scheme which enables workers to spend time earning money in the horticultural industries in New Zealand, (kiwifruit in particular), to help improve the lifestyles and education of their families back home.

Their contributions in turn benefits New Zealand's economy, he said.

New Zealand's first Tongan born Member of Parliament, Labour MP Jenny Latu Salesa also spoke, saying there are about 100,000 people living in Tonga and 60,000 in New Zealand.

'So when we lose five of our members our whole society feels it.”

She appealed to the government and transport agencies to make New Zealand's road safer.

The bodies of all the men have now been released by the Coroner and plans are in place for the return of four to Tonga.

Aongatete Support Account for Tongan Families

'Following the devastating accident involving five of our staff; we have in addition to other financial funding which Aongatete is providing to their families, also set up a trust fund bank account so that the pledges these young men made to support their families and to educate and assist their Tongan communities can be honoured," says Allan.

"Aongatete have donated an initial $5,000 into this account and we welcome all other contributions.”

If you would like to make a contribution, the details for this are:

Bank Deposit to: Westpac: 03 1550 0017661 02 Aongatete Coolstores Ltd

Cheques to: Aongatete Trust (Tongan Appeal) or

Cash: Appropriately labelled to the reception at the main office.

'Again, thank you everyone who has phoned, text, emailed and sent flowers in your support of our staff and the family and friends of Halani; Koli; Samuela; Sione and Uloupini who will be tragically missed,” says Allan.