Coroner Michael Robb said the trio finished work on May 3, a Friday, and had some alcoholic drinks. They then drove their work vehicle to Taupō with the van GPS showing it was parked in Taupō from 9.37pm until 4.09am. The group then went to McDonalds and left there at 4.18am with Fifita driving. The driver of the truck and trailer unit started work at 10pm on May 3 and was driving to Turangi via Tokoroa. At 4.45am on May 4 he was travelling on Hatepe Hill when he saw a van approaching at speed around a corner with its high beam headlights on.