Rotorua rallies around 'people's hero' after traumatic fire

People across Rotorua have rallied around the man they are describing as "the people's hero".

Bernie Hornfeck lost everything in a fire which destroyed his Lynmore home in the early hours of Tuesday.

A community volunteer, environmental activist and people's advocate, Mr Hornfeck's work has touched the lives of many locals who are now working to help him.

Rotorua lawyer and long-time friend Annette Sykes said a whole moment in history was "decimated" when his house burned down.

"I'm 56 years old and I first met him when I was 16. We have a long friendship that is steeped in a history of protests," she said.

"Bernie has been a lifetime advocate for the poor, he's one of these unsung people that just does things without recognition."

Mrs Sykes said it hadn't really sunk in yet and Mr Hornfeck was treating the fire like a minor setback.

88-year-old Bernie Hornfeck lost everything when his home was engulfed in flames. Photo/Ben Fraser

"I really was devastated to hear, there were a lot of memories in that house," she said.

"He really is a beacon, someone that helps those that can't help themselves and now it's our turn to help him."

A Facebook page, Help Bernie Hornfeck rebuild his home, has been created to rally around the man they all went to help.

"The love that's pouring out to him, it's overwhelming," Mrs Sykes said.

"He doesn't want our money, he said give that to the poor. He told me that people should instead look at the person next door and be sure to help them, to make sure everyone's getting help."

Messages from as far as South Africa and Australia have come offering support.

"It's unconditional love they have for Bernie," Mrs Sykes said.

"His life has touched across classes, across generations and across races."

A whanau trust has been set up for Mr Hornfeck and all donations will go towards a campervan he can live in while his home is rebuilt.

The Facebook page administrator Te Ringahuia Hata said Mr Hornfeck was an inspiration.

"He is a hero in my books, his political analysis is accurate every time and his sense of responsibility and concern for the problems and injustices of society is infectious," she said.

"He is a gentleman, humble and hugely polite and I set up this page as my way of giving back to Bernie with my networking skills and ability to raise money for causes. Bernie is our local hero on many levels and loved by everyone."

If you would like to offer a donation or support visit the "Help Bernie Hornfeck rebuild his home" page.

Meanwhile, the cause of the fire may never be known.

Fire investigator Stuart Bootten said because of safety limits on working in that environment he could not determine the cause of the blaze.

"I could only give an estimate and that's unfair to the owner," he said.

"Obviously this can happen to anyone, it's about being prepared."

Mr Bootten said with winter in full swing it was important for people to have their flue swept and have working smoke alarms.