<\/p>\n
\nHugo, Goldie and August.
\nPhoto: Supplied\n<\/p>\n
Warning: This story discusses suicide.<\/p>\n
The funeral for “three beautiful angels taken too soon”<\/a> in a house fire in the Manawat\u016b town of Sanson is being held this morning.<\/p>\n August, 7, Hugo, 5, and Goldie Field, 1, died on 15 November in what’s being treated as a murder-suicide.<\/p>\n Their father, 36-year-old Dean Field, also died in the fire at the family home. He is suspected of murdering the three children before dying by suicide.<\/p>\n The children’s funeral is being held at Crossroads Church in Palmerston North on Tuesday.<\/p>\n “Please wear bright colours,” a funeral notice said.<\/p>\n The notice described the children as “three beautiful angels taken too soon”, and said they’d be sadly missed by their families and everyone who knew them.<\/p>\n It also said they’d be united in Heaven with their big sister Iris, who was stillborn.<\/p>\n In a statement released late last week<\/a>, the children’s mother Chelsey Field said Iris’ ashes were lost in the blaze. The family’s dog Marlo also died.<\/p>\n “This incident has left me heartbroken and devastated. My children did not deserve this,” Chelsey Field said.<\/p>\n She acknowledged emergency service workers and thanked the public for their support – a Givealittle page set up to support her had raised almost $400,000.<\/p>\n The statement also painted a vivid picture about August, Hugo and Goldie.<\/p>\n August would have turned eight on Thursday and was going to celebrate the milestone with his friends.<\/p>\n He was described as joined at the hip with his brother Hugo, who had made a flying start to school this year.<\/p>\n The boys also loved their younger sister, Goldie, who Chelsey Field said was “my special little girl I had waited so long for”.<\/p>\n “Her first words were ‘hi’ and ‘dog’. She even said ‘Marlo’ the dog’s name before she said ‘Mum’.”<\/p>\n Police finished their scene examination<\/a> last week and handed the property back to the family.<\/p>\n They said it could take some time before they get answers about what happened.<\/p>\n Where to get help:<\/p>\n Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.<\/p>\n Lifeline<\/a>: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357. Depression Helpline<\/a>: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.<\/p>\n Samaritans<\/a>: 0800 726 666.<\/p>\n Youthline<\/a>: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.<\/p>\n What’s Up<\/a>: 0800 WHATSUP \/ 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.<\/p>\n Asian Family Services<\/a>: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.<\/p>\n Rural Support Trust Helpline<\/a>: 0800 787 254. Rainbow Youth<\/a>: (09) 376 4155.<\/p>\n
\nSuicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 \/ 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.<\/p>\n
\nHealthline: 0800 611 116.<\/p>\n