Wednesday 22 October 2025 Aotearoa NZ. A seasonal worker from Samoa has been confirmed dead after a house fire in the Tasman District of New Zealand on Sunday morning. New Zealand Police confirned one person, Samoa seasonal worker from Samoa, Talavini Saunoa, died tragically at the scene.
Emergency services were called to the Riwaka address at about 10.50am on Sunday.
Fire and Emergency NZ initially responded with two crews from Motueka, but further crews were called in from Kaiteriteri, Tasman, Mapua, and Nelson.
“The fire was well involved at a single-storey house,” a Fire NZ spokesperson said.
Police said one person was initially unaccounted for.
“Sadly, they were located deceased after the fire was extinguished,” a police spokesperson said.
Talavini Saunoa was employed by Heywood Orchards, General Manager Justin Wehner confirmed.
Wehner said the fire occurred at the company’s Riwaka property in Dehra Doon Road on Sunday morning.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends and co-workers at this difficult time.”
Wehner said police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand were investigating the cause of the fire and while the investigations were ongoing, he was unable to make any further comments.
“We are providing support to our staff and will cooperate fully with the authorities.”
Fire and Emergency said it received multiple calls about the fire on Sunday morning and sent fire engines and tankers from Motueka, Māpua, Nelson, Kaiteriteri and Tasman.
NZ Fire authorities say a single-storey dwelling around 10 metres by 10 metres in size was fully alight when fire crews arrived, with one person unaccounted for.
The man’s body was found after the fire was put out.
Police and fire investigators were at the scene on Monday and enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.
Authorities say the death had been referred to the coroner.
Tributes are pouring in online for Talavini Saunoa, remembered as a hard working son, and a loving husband and father.
Talavini is survived by his parents, his wife and four children.
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