A page initiated by a close friend of the woman has identified the children as August, Hugo, and Goldie.

By Monday, shortly after 10 a.m., donations had surged beyond expectations, reaching over NZ$140,000 ($121,630), far surpassing the initial target of $100,000 ($86,878).

On Sunday night, police confirmed the recovery of the bodies of two children and their father, who has been identified by Stuff as Dean Field.

Efforts to find the third child’s body were set to continue on Monday morning, with a scene guard maintaining the area overnight.

A neighbor reported that the deceased children, consisting of two boys and a girl, were aged 1, 5, and 7.

Emergency services were called to the fire at the Sanson property about 2.30pm on Saturday.

It’s believed police are investigating if the blaze was deliberately lit, and have said they’re not looking for anyone in connection with it.

Stuff understands Field and the children’s mother were separating.

On the fundraiser page, titled “A mother’s worst nightmare”, a woman said one of her “dear friends has suffered the sudden and unbearable loss of her three beloved children”.

“They were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered,” the page read.

“In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned. She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”

The woman said she’d set up the page to “create a safety net” for the children’s mother.

“Our goal is to provide her with the space and security needed to grieve in solitude, without the additional financial stress,” she wrote.

“We cannot mend her broke heart, but we can wrap her in community support. Please join us in offering this gift of peace and practical help during this darkest time.”

Manawatu area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the bodies of two children were recovered from the scene on Sunday evening and “family was present during this time to bless them with karakia”.

“Work is ongoing to locate the body of a third child, while the body of an adult has already been removed, Grantham said.

“The family of the deceased are devastated at the loss of their loved ones.

“They are thankful and very grateful for the support and concern they are receiving from the community.”

Investigators would focus on recovering the third child on Monday and “completing a meticulous and thorough scene examination”, Grantham said.

“This tragedy has shocked not only the local community, but also many people across the country.

“Our investigators remain determined to find answers to as many questions as we can.”