Pua Magasiva

Robbie Magasiva: I told my parents that Pua had died

Pua's twin Tanu learned of it first and rang Robbie in the early hours of May 11, but as the eldest sibling it fell to Robbie to deliver the tragic news to their father, Ropati, 70, and their mother, Salafa, 68.

"When Dad answered, he was all chipper, and then I had to tell him and he started wailing," Robbie Magasiva told Woman's Day. "I'd never heard that before."

Family to hold private funeral for Pua Magasiva in Wellington, later this week

Pua Magasiva's family will hold a private funeral, with his family and close friends in Wellington.

The former actor was found dead in Wellington on Saturday. Police said his death was not suspicious.

A spokeswoman told Stuff a funeral would be held at the end of the week.

Magasiva was a father and husband. He married Lizz Sadler last year.

The spokeswoman said his family wanted privacy at this time, as they were in "the acute stage of grief".

There would also be a tribute to Magasiva on Shortland St, but TVNZ have no further details.

Shortland Street star among rescuers freeing man from burning car

Newshub reports the 28-year-old smashed into a tree on the Hibiscus Coast Highway in Orewa at around 9:30am, and was left unconscious and trapped.

Shortland Street actor Pua Magasiva was among those who stopped to help, along with Michael Williams, Steve Strongman, Joe Parsons, Craig Watson and an off-duty police officer.

After Mr Williams managed to revive the driver, the car's engine burst into flames, police say.

"The actions of this brave group of people has no doubt saved this man's life," Acting Inspector Jason Homan says.