A house fire that killed a three-year-old girl and her mother in Christchurch originated in one of the bedrooms, investigators have confirmed, with no charges to be laid.
Sapphire-Hope Couch, three, died in the fire on Whitehall Street on 14 May 2026. Her mother, Rose-Maree Couch, died in hospital the following day, surrounded by her family.
Investigation findings
Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan released the investigation findings on Friday 28 May 2026, following work by police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Investigators ruled out an electrical fault as a contributing factor after initially considering it as a possible cause. No charges are being considered at this stage.
The deaths have been referred to the coroner.
Four children rescued
Four other young children of Rose-Maree Couch sustained injuries in the blaze.
Shane Hall, the father of two of the surviving children, rescued all four children from the house during the fire.
The family issued a statement last week expressing their gratitude to Hall. "Words cannot truly express how grateful we are. In our eyes you are a hero," the statement said. "Please know how deeply we love and appreciate you and that we will always stand beside you and support you through this time."
Family support
Funds raised via a Givealittle page are being used to pay for the funerals and start a trust to support the surviving children.
Rose-Maree's partner Jamie was Sapphire-Hope's father. Her parents Shiree and Neville are Sapphire-Hope's grandparents.