The partner of an Auckland woman who died after falling off a charter boat in Waitematā Harbour this week has written a moving tribute to their daughter.
Danielle Tamarua, a chef who was a guest on the vessel with LittleWolf Catering, lost her life on Thursday evening.
Her death tragically came just two days before her daughter's sixth birthday, which partner Junior Toparea acknowledged in an emotional post on social media on Saturday.
"Happy 6th birthday to my daughter," he began the post, which included 10 photos of her.
"Love you my babe daddy got u from now on u and ur brother u are my main babe in my life now to help me out 💙💙💙.
"It's sad this will be ur first birthday without mummy and it hurts just know mummy is looking down over us 🙏🙏🙏."
The post had attracted dozens of reactions and comments at time of publishing.
On Saturday morning, LittleWolf Catering wrote a tribute of their own to Tamarua, remembering her as a "beautiful, kind and much-loved member of our team".
"We are sad beyond words and extend our deepest condolences to Danielle's family and friends."
Zefiro Charters' Lawrence Knight and Ben Mostert also expressed their sympathies to those close to Tamarua in a statement on Friday.
"We are shocked and devastated with the events that unfolded yesterday afternoon. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased."
Police and Maritime NZ are still investigating the incident, and working together to understand the circumstances leading to Tamarua's death. Zefiro has also launched an investigation of its own.
