Family remembers victim of Waitara house fire
Photo:
RNZ/Emma Andrews
A family member recalls the person who died in the Waitara house fire as "gentle, nice and wouldn't hurt a fly".
One person was killed on Friday morning in a house fire in Taranaki, Waitara.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Browne Street, at 7:30am.
Police said the person - who they believe is the sole occupant of the house - died at the scene before they arrived.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Browne Street at 7:30am.
Photo:
RNZ/Emma Andrews
The body remains inside the flat and will be removed in the next few hours.
One resident on the street drove past and saw the house was "sparking", drove around the block returning to the house in flames.
A whānau member said the house "went up like a matchbox".
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
an hour ago
- RNZ News
Police seeking seven people after youth stabbed in Hamilton on Thursday
Police want to hear from anyone who was in the area and who may have CCTV footage around the time of the incident. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver Police are searching for seven people after a teenager was stabbed in Hamilton on Thursday. In a statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Neilson said the 17-year-old male was stabbed during an altercation outside an address in Slim Street, Melville at about 5pm on Thursday. The youth was left in a critical condition and is in Waikato Hospital. About seven people were thought to have been involved and police were still trying to identify and locate them, he said. Police are conducting a scene examination on Friday. Neilson said police particularly want to hear from anyone who was in the area and may have close circuit video (CCTV) from around the time of the incident. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Emergency services can now locate people via cell phones
Emergency Services will now be able to locate people via their cell phones, even if they have not called 111 themselves. Police Minister Mark Mitchell spoke to Guyon Espiner.
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
Residents urge tougher stance on illegal dumping in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu
Residents want cameras, warnings, and stronger enforcement to curb illegal dumping. Photo: Auckland Council Residents are calling on Auckland Council to take more decisive action against illegal dumping in Māngere as rubbish piles up in streets, parks, and waterways. During the public forum of Wednesday's Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board's August meeting, one resident passionately advocated for change. Fagafeuō Tuigamala, also known as Fang, made an emotional appeal about the illegal dumping in the community. "Māngere is a beautiful suburb. It is the gateway to the rest of this country. It is disheartening to see the frequency of rubbish piling up in our parks, on our footpaths, and even by my bus stops and the local streams." Tuigamala said the extent of dumping has become so bad that she no longer feels comfortable walking around her own neighbourhood. "One hot spot for rubbish dumping is Radonich Park on Cleek Road, right between a kindergarten and a refugee resettlement centre, and where sports teams train. "Families, children, and new migrants are trying to enjoy the space, but what they're faced with is couches, broken furniture, and food waste. This is not the reflection of who we are as a community." A community BBQ at Radonich Park brought locals together to kōrero and support park clean-ups. Photo: Auckland Council She urged the board to take action and suggested several possible solutions. "Number one, install cameras at dumping hotspots like Radonich Park to hold people accountable. And number two, put up clear warning signs at every park and every car park so the rules and penalties are visible. "Māngere deserves clean parks, safe footpaths, and spaces that reflect the strength of our people. Together, we can respect our whenua and all the life on it. Mālo aupito and thank you very much for listening." Household waste left illegally in the bush. Photo: Auckland Council Acting board chair Christine O'Brien thanked Tuigamala for her presentation and acknowledged the shared frustration among residents. O'Brien said the board is working to improve enforcement and education, but limited budgets make consistent action difficult. Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina also spoke strongly on the issue, agreeing that enforcement needs to be strengthened. He said the council needs to work with police and community groups to hold those responsible accountable, while also supporting residents who want to keep their neighbourhoods clean. For Tuigamala, he says without stronger measures, illegal dumping will continue to undermine community pride and wellbeing in Māngere. In May, Local Democracy Reporting reported on the growing frustrations as illegal dumping left ratepayers with a multi-million dollar bill. Cars, fridges, toxic waste and up to 500 mattresses per month were among the items being cleaned up across Auckland. Auckland Council's cost for collecting and disposing of illegal waste in the 2024 financial year was $2.7 million, a rise of $200,000 each year since 2022. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
