The husband of one of the victims killed in a boating accident in Kaikōura at the weekend says he feels like he's "been run over by a truck".
Members of the Nature Photography Society of New Zealand were onboard the chartered vessel when it overturned in calm, flat conditions near Goose Bay in Kaikōura on Saturday.
Peter Simpson's wife Cathye Haddock was one of the five killed in the boating accident on Saturday.
He said his and Haddock's family are rallying together to cope with the tragedy.
"Obviously very upset, I feel like I've been run over by a truck but there are lots of people around, family, Cathye's family, my family, lots and lots of friends," he told AM co-host Ryan Bridge.
"Her house has been a bit like the central railway station at times. But there are lots of people there, lots of support, help and assistance."
Simpson said Cathye had recently joined the photography society and went on the birdwatching trip with a friend.
He found out the news about his wife when he was on a motorbike trip with his friends.
"I was away on a motorcycle trip with another friend, a long time friend of mine, and I found out later in the afternoon when I turned on my phone after having gotten off the motorcycle," he told AM.
"That's when I put two and two together, when I saw the news report that something was wrong. So I made efforts to contact the police and was able to get more information that way."
He described Cathye as someone who loved the outdoors, the environment and as a people person.
"She was very much a people person and well, I could accuse her of having too many friends if there is such a thing to have," he said.
"She just had time for everybody and managed to fit everybody into her world. I just don't know how she did it."
Simpson said he's seen the speculation about the cause of the crash but is yet to find out how the accident occurred.
"I don't know what happened. I have had regular contact from the police and I am just helping where I can, but the investigations are just underway and I'm going to let that take its course," he said.
"I think at the end of that when there's a report on what happened, then that'll be the time and I'm sure there'll be questions. I certainly got questions in my mind, but I'm quite happy to let the process work its way through and we'll take it from there."
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has asked for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
"The Chief Investigator, Naveen Kozhuppakalam, wants to hear from anyone who saw or recorded what happened - before, during or after the incident," a spokesperson said on Sunday.
"The Commission investigation will run alongside investigations from other agencies. Two investigators are assigned to secure evidence, talk to witnesses, examine any electronic evidence available and look at the circumstances of the incident."
The best way to share information is to email TAIC at info@taic.org.nz.
Maritime NZ said in a statement investigators will work alongside NZ Police and TAIC.
The Nature Photography Society of New Zealand posted on Facebook on Sunday morning saying their thoughts are with the families of the deceased victims.
"The Nature Photography Society of New Zealand is saddened by the tragic loss at sea in Kaikōura during a trip by society members that took the lives of 5 of our members," the Nature Photography Society of New Zealand wrote on Facebook.
"We do not yet know what caused the vessel to capsize and that is something that will be addressed by Maritime NZ in due course.
"In the meantime, our thoughts are with the families of those members of the society who have lost their lives."
Another victim who has been named is Peter Charles Hockley, described as a kind-hearted, humble and loving man by his daughter.
His daughter confirmed the family was told of his death late on Saturday afternoon, Stuff reported.
She was told her father had been in the cabin of the fishing charter boat alongside the other four victims when it capsized.
The daughter said her father was "amazing" and an incredible photographer.
Otematata Residents' Association chairperson Steve Dalley told Stuff Hockley was a "lovely kind" gentlemen who donated a lot of his time to take photos for an annual fundraising calendar.
"He was a very quiet man...very humble. It's so sad for us."
Watch the full interview with Peter Simpson above.
