August, Hugo and Goldie Photo: Supplied
The mother of three children who died following a fire in the Manawatū town of Sanson has spoken out for the first time. August, Hugo and Goldie died last weekend, in what is being treated as a murder-suicide. Their father, Dean Field, also died. Below are Chelsey Field's words in full.
August, Hugo and Goldie were taken from me and all those who love them in the most horrible of circumstances, but I do not want their deaths to define the important, beautiful lives that they lived.
My babies were my absolute world. I have been a stay-at-home Mum since I had Hugo in 2020. Before that, I was an early childhood teacher and August came to work with me every day, and I am so glad I got this time with my darlings. I enjoyed so much quality time with them; trips to gymnastics, music groups, playgroups and play dates with friends. We had so much fun together and many holidays away. I will forever cherish all these special memories.
Not only did I lose my children and my home that day, but I also lost our beloved miniature schnauzer, Marlo, who would have been six this Christmas. She was the children's best friend, and one of Goldie's first words was dog.
I also had a stillborn daughter, Iris, who would have been nine this year. I have lost her ashes, photos and all her special keepsakes. I know my darlings will be reunited with their big sister.
August, Hugo and Goldie at the memorial to their sister, Iris. Photo: Supplied
This incident has left me heartbroken and devastated. My children did not deserve this.
I would like to acknowledge the first responders who responded to the incident and have helped me since. Their support has been so appreciated.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many thousands of people around New Zealand who have been so generous during this difficult time. I have felt the aroha of those around me, in my community and around the country. This support has given me the strength to carry on in honour of the short lives my children lived and the impressions they left on so many people's hearts.
August, Hugo and Goldie. Photo: Supplied
August
August would have turned eight next Thursday and was looking forward to his birthday party at Timezone with five of his best friends. He was such a happy, kind and outgoing boy. He loved sport, especially football, he was a massive Messi fan. I had been planning on taking him to a Wellington Phoenix game soon. He loved going to the stock cars, fishing at the beach and playing with his best friend Levi. August was a fantastic big brother and he loved his siblings, especially his baby sister. He liked to get her out of bed in the morning, he would make her bottles and feed her. He loved his brother Hugo and they were always glued at the hip, either wrestling or playing outside making huts, digging in the sandpit or playing on the trampoline.
Hugo
Hugo was such a Mama's boy. He was so kind, thoughtful and considerate, he would always come and tell me "Mum I got Goldie's nappy and wipes ready for you, Mum I put your bag by the car for you". He loved dinosaurs and Hot Wheels. He started school at the beginning of Term 2 and was taking it in his stride. He had begun to read so confidently, he was learning to count so proudly and he loved writing stories. Hugo loved going to the beach fishing also and riding his motorbike. He had just enjoyed his first pet day at school where he took his lamb Nigel and he won an award for care and attention. He loved his little sister Goldie too and was such a doting big brother.
Chelsey with Goldie at eight days old. Photo: Supplied
Goldie
Goldie was my special little girl I had waited so long for. I am so glad I never spent a day or night away from her in her short life. She had just gotten her top two teeth and was pulling herself up to standing and attempting to coast around furniture. Her first words were 'Hi' and 'dog', she even said 'Marlo' the dog's name before she said Mum. She loved going to music group every Tuesday, she enjoyed the drums and dancing to music. She was the happiest little girl and such a cruisy baby. She loved to have big snuggly cuddles and her brothers were the best things in the world to her. She followed them around the house getting into their Lego and toys. She loved going into the boy's school every morning and afternoon and she had a massive fan club with the younger girls there.
Miniature schnauzer Marlo also died in the fire. Photo: Supplied
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
- Suicide 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.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
- Healthline: 0800 611 116.
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Family Violence
- Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843.
- It's Not OK 0800 456 450.
- Shine: 0508 744 633.
- Victim Support: 0800 842 846.
- HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655.
- The National Network of Family Violence Services NZ has information on specialist family violence agencies.
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