Fatal house fire: Father showing signs of recovery

A man who survived an Auckland house fire that killed members of his family is showing signs of recovery in hospital, supporters say.

Refugee Council of New Zealand secretary Kailesh Thanabalasingham, 47, escaped but was severely burnt in the blaze, which last Thursday killed his five-year- old son, 39-year-old wife and 66-year-old mother-in-law.

His 11-year-old daughter and 69-year-old father-in -law survived the fire and were discharged from hospital last week.

Thanabalasingham was taken to hospital in a critical condition but recently opened his eyes for the first time, according to supporters on the Refugees as Survivors-NZ Facebook page.

"He could see people but could not talk as he has tubes in his mouth," the Facebook post says.

"The doctor put him on sleep medication so his body could rest to support the recovery process."

"His sister and in-law family members are in NZ and coming to the hospital every day to see him."

"His daughter is doing alright but ... it is not easy."

A Givealittle page, set up by Refugees as Survivors-NZ, had raised more than $67,885 by Monday afternoon.

Thanabalasingham worked tirelessly for the Refugee Council, helping refugees and asylum seekers, the page says.

- AAP