Boy killed in fire 'happy, bright kid'

Police and fire officers are continuing to investigate the cause of the blaze. Photo / Alan Gibson

WANGANUI - A young boy killed in a fire that gutted his Wanganui home had been out playing on the lawn just hours earlier.

Neighbours and friends said 6-year-old Rodayo Robin was always out the front, or riding his bike, with a big smile for everyone who passed.

"He was always over here, he would always say hi," said Ryan George, who had known the Wanganui East School pupil since he was a toddler.

"He was a happy, bright kid with a nice smile always saying hello to people," said Alicia Firkin.

But the four surviving family members of the Talbot St home did not realise the boy was missing until it was too late, police said.

A neighbour heard Rodayo's father running around outside the house while it burned, yelling out his child's name.

"They are a lovely couple and a lovely family ... That boy was always smiling," said the woman.

Police are investigating what caused the fire on Monday night but say it does not appear suspicious.

When firefighters were called about 7pm, another two trucks were immediately ordered on arrival.

"It was an inferno," station officer Bryan Coskerie told the Herald. "When we arrived the building was fully involved so we commenced an intensive fire attack and search."

It was under control within 10 or 15 minutes but the young boy could not be reached.

An 18-year-old boy injured his arm trying to break glass to get inside to Rodayo but had to turn back when the smoke got too much.

"He was very courageous in doing so," said Detective Sergeant Phil Skoglund. "That person was in hospital this morning and had to undergo treatment to his hand."

Mr Skoglund said whanau were formally identifying the body following the post-mortem examination.

Early yesterday the street was lined with cars and dotted with stony-faced people waiting for the boy's body to be removed.

Flowers and cards were placed under the short white mailbox, which remained spotless just inches away from charred grass. One bouquet had two lollipops attached.

"Rest in peace Rodayo I will miss seeing you at school", Noah wrote on a note.

"I am really sad Rodayo I will miss u," scribbled Angus.

Other local children said Rodayo was a happy, cheeky child who would be missed.

"It's not going to be normal walking down the street not seeing Rodayo," said one.

Police investigators in white boiler suits joined fire staff to forensically examine the house before the body was removed. A karakia was performed with a traditional Maori song sung afterward. As the hearse drove out a young couple, believed to be his parents, stood locked together sobbing.

Wanganui East School principal Robin Paul said Rodayo was a "bright personality" and it was "a tragic loss to the school ... and the wider Wanganui East community".