The man who died in a Christchurch house fire has been remembered as a “beautiful, caring, gold-hearted person” who loved making his own music and always looked out for others.
Callum Dale died after a fire broke out in an upstairs unit of a Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust apartment complex on Korimako Lane in Sydenham Tuesday afternoon.
Those close to Dale said he was widely loved and respected, adding that those who knew him would struggle to find a bad word to say about him.
They described him as giving, loyal, and someone who was always looking out for his mates.
Close friend Damien Swan said Dale “had a heart of gold” and was known for his kindness and positivity.
“He didn’t like conflict and would help anyone,” Swan said.
“He was caring, with a big heart and soul.”
Sharing memories of his friend, Swan said seven weeks ago Dale had joined him and his brother on a trip to Ōamaru to visit his mum.
“We went to Ōamaru on the bus, my mum absolutely liked Callum, she said he is such a decent guy, polite and respectful and well mannered,” he said.
“Callum loved the peacefulness away from [Christchurch], even said he would love to live there at my mum’s in the caravan.
“The thing is mum would let him too, Callum was like family - he was like a brother to me and my brother.”
“Callum was a beautiful, caring, gold-hearted person and an amazing friend who was always full of love and joy,” another close friend, Kayla McElroy, said.
McElroy said he always looked out for others, was a talented chef, and had a passion for rap music, often creating his own.
“All his family and friends will forever remember Callum for his beautiful soul,” she said.
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust tenancy general manager Robert Hardie said the trust had been saddened by the death at their complex.
“Our sincere thoughts are with their family, whanau, friends, and neighbours at this very difficult time,” he said.
He said members of their tenancy team were onsite yesterday and had returned this morning to further support the community and learn more about the damage to the property.
“The cause of the fire is being investigated, and we assist Fire and Emergency New Zealand and police as we can as a landlord,” Hardie said.
Hardie said all units at the Korimako Lane complex were designed and built to “meet or exceed applicable building and fire safety requirements”, which was confirmed through Christchurch City Council inspections and the issuing of Code Compliance Certificates.
“Each one-bedroom unit is equipped with two hardwired, interconnected smoke alarms, in line with Building Code requirements. They’re tested regularly,” he said.
“There is no legal requirement for landlords to provide fire extinguishers in this type of residential dwelling.
“Safety features such as window safety stays are installed in line with Building Code requirements.
“The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development assessed all units at Korimako Lane as meeting or exceeding the minimum size requirements for social housing.
“It is clear today the [Fire and Emergency] response and the first-floor fire separation contained the fire to the affected unit.
“We are grateful to FENZ, police, St John Ambulance and Christchurch Hospital staff for all they did to help our tenant and our community.
“We will continue to assist where we can as landlord while FENZ continues its work. Out of respect for our tenant and those closest to him.
Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust was unable to comment further while inquiries continued.