Poisoned couple to be buried with relative

The couple found dead in their room with a patio gas heater on will be buried alongside a cousin of a similar age tomorrow.

David and Bernadette Otimi, 43 and 41, will be laid to rest alongside the man, who died recently after a long illness, at the burial ground next to Kauriki Marae in Taumarunui.

Police say the pair appear to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning from the heater but are awaiting the results of a toxicology report.

The three Otimi children - all aged under 13 - found their parents' bodies inside their Taupo Rd home about 8.45am last Thursday.

The tamariki are being cared for by whanau at the marae and kept off school for a few days.

Family spokesman Dominic Peehi Otimi said "lots of aroha [has] been coming in from everywhere".

"The wellbeing of the children and the family have been well taken care of ... by many, actually," he told the Herald.

Mr Otimi said the children were holding up "as well as to be expected", as were their grandparents.

He did not know who would take over custody over the children.

"I'm not sure. We're just leaving that to the grandparents.

"Our job is to make everybody comfortable and to care of them while they're there [at the marae]."

Mr Otimi had no idea why the outdoor patio heater was being used inside.

"That sort of stuff we leave to the family. We don't ask any questions.

"Our priority is to look after them all while they're at the marae and ensure that everything runs smoothly."