Mother is killed alongside her two children in a horror car crash just a month after her partner of 15 years died smashing into the SAME tree

A family is mourning the loss of a mother and her two children who were killed in a horrific crash in the same spot their father died in just a month earlier.

Tiny Tibble, 43, her son Ashton-Lee Rangihuna, 14, and daughter Ana-Roimata Rangihuna, 10, died on Monday morning after their car crashed into a tree near the small settlement of Te Araroa, New Zealand.

The devastating smash happened weeks after Ms Tibble's partner Lance Rangihuna died after his car hit the same tree.

Tiny Tibble, 43, her son Ashton-Lee Rangihuna, 14, and daughter Ana-Roimata Rangihuna, 10, died on on Monday morning after their car crashed into a tree near the small settlement of Te Araroa, New Zealand

Family and friends in the small rural community on the country's North Island have been left shocked by the deaths. 

The investigation into what caused both of the crashes is still ongoing. 

Lance Rangihuna's cousin Hamiora Huriwai said the deaths were hard to process as the family seemed to be doing well. 

'They were strong, they got on with life, they were going to keep going... We had a barbecue together after the with her kids. They were all fine - big smiles, happy. We had lambs' tails, gave hugs like we normally do - it was all good,' he told Stuff. 

The crash happened weeks after Ms Tibble's partner Lance Rangihuna died after his car hit the same tree

He said the children's deaths are the most devastating. 

'It's really tragic because they still hadn't lived their own lives. Everyone is taking it hard. We're all grieving.'

Detective Sergeant Eric Hunter said the community had been left shaken by the incidents. 

Victim Support and other partner agencies are working with the community.  

Both cases have been referred to the coroner. 

Lifeline 13 11 14