NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Saturday May 16, 2026.
More than forty rallies are expected to be held today across the country to protest the nations action on fuel tax.
A grieving grandmother “now faces the weight of organising two funerals” after a deadly blaze ripped through her family’s home, claiming the lives of her daughter and young granddaughter.
Emergency services were called to the Christchurch home about 8.25pm on Thursday. A 3-year-old girl died at the scene.
Two adultsand four children – all siblings of the girl and aged between 10 weeks and 5 years old – were injured and taken to hospital. Police confirmed yesterday their 23-year-old mother had succumbed to critical injuries.
Yesterday, a 2-year-old girl, remained in hospital in a stable condition.
“Police’s thoughts are with her family, and we will continue to provide them with support,” Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolen said.
Detective Sergeant Brent Menzies said police had completed a scene examination today and would maintain their presence in the area as they continued making inquiries with family members and witnesses.
The blaze took the lives of a 23-year-old mother and her 3-year-old daughter, with her four other children now in the care of family. Photo / Hannah Feck
“While the fire is not believed suspicious, it is too early to comment on the direct cause of the fire this early in the investigation,” Menzies said.
A relative shed light on the fire’s devastating impact in a Givealittle appeal, aiming to support the grandmother, identified on the fundraising page as Shiree Couch, as she faced the daunting task of planning her own child’s funeral and trying to rebuild her life.
“Beyond rebuilding from scratch, she now faces the weight of organising two funerals.
“On a fixed income, Shiree simply does not have the resources to cover these sudden, massive costs.”
Police at the scene on Whitehall St, Mairehau yesterday. Photo / Hannah Feck
Funds raised through the Givealittle appeal would be directly used to cover funeral and headstone costs, essential items for the four children now in her care and to help secure a new home, the relative said.
“Shiree is usually the one helping others; now, it’s our turn to wrap around her.
“Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and support.”
A friend told the Herald the young whānau “were the most caring, kindhearted” they knew and were always there for other people when needed.
One neighbour said they often heard young children playing in the backyard and believed the family had lived at the property for several years.
Just hours after the fatal blaze, the family thanked the local community for its “love and respect” as they processed the tragedy, with a friend sharing a message for the local community on their behalf.
“While we have our hands full, we are so very grateful for everything,” they said.
“We ask that people continue showing love and respect the way they have been this has been a devastating loss to our whānau.
“We will reach out to those organising when we can.”
The Givealittle page had raised nearly $40,000 in donations since its creation yesterday.
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