A 10-year-old girl was last night fighting for her life in Starship Hospital and a 2-year-old boy has a fractured skull after a car crash that also killed their mother.

And devastated volunteer firefighters who responded to the tragedy were undergoing counselling after discovering they were related to those in the car.

Talijancich, 43, her daughter Malia, 10, son Bucko Rowland, 2, and partner Kevin Rowland, 44, were in the vehicle when it crashed into a bridge at Te Kopuru, about 15km south of Dargaville, shortly before 4pm yesterday.

The family of Talijancich, who was a member of the Te Kopuru Volunteer Fire Brigade, last night expressed their grief to the Herald on Sunday.

Addressed to our Mum/Stepmum: "There are no words to express what we are feeling right now, our hearts are broken, our lives are shattered, Not only were you our mum, you were also one of our best friends."

The message, signed by Talijancich's step-children Denym and Kyrno, said they would
"look after Dad and of course each other especially our little king 'Bucko'".

"Watch over Malia as she fights this battle. We need her here."

Malia was flown to Starship immediately after the crash and Bucko left Whangarei Hospital late last night by helicopter after it was discovered he had a fractured skull.

Their father was with his children last night.

Denym and Kyrno were travelling from Hamilton last night.

A post on the Te Kopuru Fire Brigade's Facebook page read: "Today we lost one of our own. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and brigade members."

The message was accompanied by a picture of the New Zealand flag at half-mast outside the rural station.

Whangarei and Kaipara fire commander Wipari Henwood said the Te Kopuru station was a family-run brigade.

"In small communities like Te Kopuru, when you have an event like this there's a high probability that you'll know somebody. And in this instance members responding were related."

Henwood said three or four of the responding firefighters were related to the people in the car.

"They're pretty distraught and devastated."

Henwood travelled from his base in Whangarei to support the crew and ensure counselling was available.

Conditions on the 100km/h stretch of road were good and Henwood did not know what caused the crash.

"It's fine, the road's dry," he said. "I believe there was only one vehicle involved and it's unfortunately clipped the bridge."
Speaking from the scene, Dargaville firefighter Jeffrey Palmer said the aftermath was not an easy thing to witness.

"All I can say is that a lot of firefighters are deeply touched personally by this person who has passed away. We'll have a debrief and make sure all the younger ones get looked after."