The tragic fire in the Manawatū town of Sanson has left New Zealand grieving alongside a mother whose pain is beyond imagining. Chelsey Field has lost her three precious children — August, Hugo and Goldie — in a blaze that police believe, though have not yet confirmed, was a murder–suicide carried out by their father. It is a truth almost too heavy to comprehend.

Chelsey has spoken of her children as her entire world — bright, loving little souls who filled her days with joy, routines, playgroups, beach trips and sibling mischief. In that same fire, she also lost her home, her beloved dog Marlo, and the ashes of her stillborn daughter, Iris. The depth of this loss is devastating.

Although this tragedy is outside our region, its enormity reaches far beyond local boundaries. It feels impossible to witness such loss and not try, in some small way, to help. A Givealittle page has been created by friends to support Chelsey through the long, painful road ahead, and has already raised more than $350,000:

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/a-mothers-worst-nightmare-grieving-the-loss

Even a small contribution can help ease a fraction of her burden — if everyone chipped in just $10, the collective impact would make a meaningful difference.

Readers who wish to understand more about the investigation can find further details here:

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/579116/watch-police-discuss-murder-suicide-of-three-children-and-father-in-sanson-fire

Chelsey, her family and her beautiful children are in our thoughts and prayers at this time, wrapped in the aroha of communities across Aotearoa. RIP little ones.