A 10-year-old boy who died in a crash near Taupō has been remembered as being “full of life” with dreams of joining the navy like his koro.

Jax Tauroa-Wall died in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1 at Motutere on July 4.

A statement from Jax’s father on behalf of the family to the Rotorua Daily Post said Jax was “full of life”, sporty, loved hunting and fishing and was “keen to give anything a go”.

He was “deeply loved by everyone who knew him”.

“He looked up to his sisters, loved playing soccer, kapa haka, and had his first season of rugby league this year.”

Jax “always had a joke or a grin with the biggest dimples to share”.

“He was a bit of a practical joker but also had a real gentle side.”

He said Jax wanted to join the army but changed his ambition to joining the navy to be like his Koro.

The family wanted to thank emergency services, Te Kura o Hirangi staff, his loving whānau at Pohara and Pakira Marae, “and to all the friends, whānau and community who helped out, shared their love and attended his tangi”.

“We’re broken by this loss and miss him more than words can say.”

Taupō fatal crash victim Jax Tauroa-Wall, 10, who died on July 4.

He said it was important to acknowledge the truck driver involved in the crash, who he understood “was in his own lane”.

“Our thoughts are with him as we know this will be weighing heavily on his heart.

“This tragedy has touched many lives, not just our own.”

He said he hoped Jax’s spirit, joy, and kindness would be remembered.

The collision between a car and a truck happened near Jellicoe Pt about 7.45pm on July 4.

Police are investigating the crash.

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.