New Zealand Police have confirmed the names of the two people killed following a bus crash between Wairoa and Gisborne on the night of Christmas Eve.

Those killed were 11-year-old boy Sione Taumololo and 33-year-old woman Talita Fifita both of Tonga.

"There were 53 people on board the bus when it crashed. In addition to the two who tragically died, 10 people remain in hospital," New Zealand Police stated.

“This crash is a tragedy for all those involved and we are offering all the support we can to the passengers as they grieve and mourn the loss of their friends and loved ones,” said Inspector Sam Aberahama, Tairawhiti Area Commander. 

The Serious Crash Unit is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, and Police are speaking with a number of those who were on the bus including the driver. 

"Interviews with those on the bus are expected to take two days."

The investigation will include a full mechanical inspection of the bus once it is recovered along with an assessment of road conditions and any other possible contributing factors to the crash.

Tomorrow SH2 between Nuhaka and Gisborne will be fully closed for up to eight hours from 6am to allow for the recovery of the bus. A specialist crane will be used for the removal due to the challenges of the site.