A Christchurch teacher has been identified as the fifth victim of the Kaikoura boat capsize

Maureen Pierre was one of five people who died when a Fish Kaikoura charter boat with 11 people on board flipped off Goose Bay on Saturday.

Pierre taught at Isleworth School, in the Christchurch suburb of Bishopdale.

Neighbours who lived next to her for 50 years have spoken of their shock.

Investigations are ongoing, but it's thought a whale may have surfaced directly beneath the boat.