Tauranga man who set himself alight dies

The man who set himself alight outside a Tauranga petrol station 10 days ago has died.

The 55-year-old man suffered serious injuries after he bought a fuel container from the Z station on 11th Ave and Cameron Rd, filled it up and walked to a nearby bus stop where he then set himself on fire.

Passers by and Z station staff fought desperately to help save the man with fire extinguishers and containers of water until emergency services took him to Tauranga Hospital.

He was flown to Middlemore Hospital hours later, where he remained in a critical condition until Friday when he died.

A hospital spokeswoman confirmed the man died on Friday but was unable to comment further.

Z station owner and operator Dave Gillies said at the time the man had shown no ''warning signs'' to staff prior to the incident.

"He gave no indication there was anything up at all," Mr Gillies said.

"He was a very normal customer, chatting away with my team, smiling and friendly while purchasing the container."

The man prepaid $10 of petrol. "As he walked out he actually said to my cashier 'have a good afternoon'."

It was not until staff saw a small plume of smoke rising from behind a neighbouring building they realised something had happened, Mr Gillies said.

Where to get help:
* Lifeline - 0800 543 354
* Depression Hotline - (8a, to 12am) - 0800 111 757
* Healthline - 0800 611 116
* Samaritans - 0800 211 211 / 04 473 9739
* Suicide Crisis Helpline (aimed at those in distess, or those who are concerned about the well-being of someone else) - 0508 828 865
* Youthline - 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz