Hundreds of mourners have turned out in bright colours to celebrate the lives of the three children whose bodies were found following a Manawatū house fire earlier this month.
August, Hugo, and Goldie Field, aged 7, 5, and 1, died on November 15 at the family’s home in the Manawatū town of Sanson.
Their father Dean Field was also found dead at the scene of the blaze, with police investigating the incident as a homicide.
The ceremony took place at the Crossroads Church in Palmerston North from 11am, with Beauchamp Funeral Home encouraging those attending to “wear bright colours”.
The funeral notice read: “Three beautiful angels taken too soon. Will be sadly missed by their mum Chelsey, grandparents Lindy, Ron (deceased), Florence, and Michael and Mary; and all those who knew them. United with big sister Iris in heaven. Loved beyond measure.”
The children were brought into the church in brightly coloured coffins and placed next to each other. One of their favourite songs, Motorcycle Drive By by Zach Bryan, was played as they entered. Singer Stan Walker later performed at the ceremony in a video he sent in.
In a message from the children’s mother, Chelsey Field, she shared memories of her three “beautiful, brown-eyed darlings” who she said were her “absolute world”.
August James, born in 2017, loved trucks, motorbikes, and football, and was a devoted Messi fan. He also enjoyed music, video games, and had recently started drum lessons. He would have turned eight years old this week.
Hugo John, born in 2020, was a “sweet and caring boy” who idolised his big brother. His favourite colour was green, and dinosaurs were his obsession. Fearless and adventurous, Hugo loved motorbikes, fishing, and had just started school, making friends easily.
Goldie May Iris, born in 2024, was the “sweetest little girl” who loved having big snuggles and sleepy cuddles. She loved music class, splashing in the paddling pool, and had just begun pulling herself up to stand.
Field said she would miss constantly hearing “mum, I’m hungry”, and the boys saying “6,7”.
“We had so much fun together. We made so many great memories that I will cherish forever,” she said.
“I will miss you three so much. And you will know that your mum loves you forever and ever.”
August’s friend Levi wrote a tribute which his mother read out.
“I wish I had a magic Uno reverse card so I could reverse this whole thing. I will miss all of the fun moments playing together with you guys. I am so sad that this has happened, but I am so lucky to have spent so much time with you all. Love you. Thank you.”
A Givealittle page for the mother of three has raised more than $400,000.
