Whangarei mum who lost home in fire thankful for help

Vanessa Wihongi has had a run of bad luck. She lost her daughter last year and she just started to heal when her house burned down last week. Photo/John Stone

A Whangarei mum who lost everything in a fire, including the belongings of her daughter who died last year, is appreciative of the offers of help she has received from loving people.

Vanessa Wihongi has faced tragedy upon tragedy. She was beginning to heal after losing her 15-year-old daughter Shayla to suspected suicide last year when her smoke-free home was ruined in a fire started by a discarded cigarette butt last Monday.

She lost everything including Shayla's belongings, family portraits and family heirlooms. But since Ms Wihongi's story was published in the Advocate, many people want to help.

A $100 credit at the Whangarei North Haven Hospice shop will be put in place on Monday for Ms Wihongi to use, a member of the public brought in an envelope for Ms Wihongi, Habitat for Humanity say although they can not help with a home they can help her with items from its second-hand store and the office for Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis has also offered to help.

"I didn't know about the offers. I've just been lying here in hospital [after an operation]. I appreciate everything. There are some loving, caring, people out there," she said.

The fact the fire was started by a discarded cigarette butt has left Ms Wihongi "fuming" as no one in the household smokes. She and her adult son, Jae, are asthmatic and Ms Wihongi hates cigarettes.

A neighbour had spotted someone on the Raumanga Heights Drive property with a clipboard that day but was not sure if the person had been smoking. Ms Wihongi also wonders if someone had flicked a cigarette butt that landed outside the home.

Ms Wihongi said she is still looking for somewhere for her family to live.

"I've been focused on my health and keeping well but I am very grateful to be alive," she said.

A Givealittle page has also been set up for the Wihongi family which can be accessed here: givealittle.co.nz/cause/helpingoutthewihongifamily .