Hamiora Te Kira (28), known as Tama, and Kara TeRupe (27), both of Palmerston, died after the car they were in rolled down a bank on Macraes Back Rd, 35km inland from Palmerston, about 11.50pm on Saturday.
A Givealittle page set up for the pair by cousins said the crash "took the lives of our dear cousins Kararaina TeRupe and her partner Tama Te Kira, who were passengers in a vehicle’’.
The pair left behind four children aged from 3 to 9, the page said.
Funds raised would go towards funeral expenses and travel costs for the family, and anything left would go to the children's future.
More than $3000 had been donated by last night.
Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, of Oamaru, confirmed the pair were partners and had children.
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were continuing.
"The criminal investigation branch are investigating, along with the serious crash unit, with the assistance of police photography and our forensic officers,’’ Sgt Woodbridge said.
"The car rolled over a few times and came to rest down a steep ravine. It sustained considerable damage.
"At this stage, no cause of the crash has been ascertained."
The Honda car rolled, left the road and careered down a steep bank into a ravine before it came to rest 60m to 80m off the road, Sgt Woodbridge said.
The car’s two other occupants — an 18-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman, both also of Palmerston — survived the crash and were airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by helicopter.
Sgt Woodbridge said they were both were released from hospital on Sunday.
They also spoke to police on Sunday.
"They are obviously very shocked and ... struggling to deal with the death of two of their friends."
