Two people died at the scene of the crash on Ulster St in Hamilton and six people were transported to hospital. Photo / Hayden Woodward
The charges relate to the deaths of his passengers Kerihaehae Nepe, known as Rangimarie, and her partner Charlie Russell, both 19 of Hamilton, and another occupant, Daimai Tokoa, who was injured.
Five other passengers were also injured but Turia was not charged in relation to those injuries. Turia was also injured in the crash.
Two people with critical injuries were pulled from the burning car by three police officers. The officers, who were praised for their heroic and quick actions, suffered smoke inhalation.
‘Rest in love, my honey girl’
News of the crash at the time spurred Nepe’s concerned father take to Facebook to try to track her down.
He then posted a heartfelt tribute to his “firstborn”.
“My big girl, my number one, my honey girl. I don’t even know what to say or how to feel. This is not fair. I f***en love you. I’m gonna miss you, baby. I already do. Rest in love, my honey girl,” he wrote.
Russell’s sister, Natalia Russell, wrote that losing her brother had been the hardest thing.
Rangimarie Nepe and her partner Charlie Russell died in the crash. Photo / Supplied
“Losing a little brother has to be the most numbing s***,” she wrote.
“This has got to be the hardest thing ever man … I’m so broken … love you so much my baby brother.”
Russell also posted a photo of the couple, asking them to “look after each other up there”.
Belinda Feek is an Open Justice reporter based in Waikato. She has worked at NZME for 10 years and has been a journalist for 21.