Heartfelt tributes are being shared for a much-loved Rakaia man and his two-year-old granddaughter who tragically lost their lives in a devastating house fire on Saturday night.

As first reported by chrislynchmedia.com, emergency services were called to the residential property just after 11pm.

By the time the first appliance arrived, the home was already well ablaze, and emergency crews found the body of Teariki Akaroa.

The two-year-old child was flown to Christchurch Hospital in a critical condition but sadly died on Sunday, according to a family relative.

The family’s dog also died in the blaze.

Friends have described Teariki Akaroa, known to many as TK, as a kind, humble, and loving person who deeply cared for his family.

One friend told Chris Lynch Media, “He was an amazing, kind, loving, humble, and genuine person. He would give you the shirt off his back. I worked alongside him for a number of years. He loved his wife and kids more than anything and would give heaven and earth to see them happy and make sure they had everything.

“It’s such a big loss and a shock for friends and whānau. He will be deeply missed. Moe mai rā, my brother and pepe.”

A Givealittle page created by Tracey King reads, “My daughter, granddaughter, and grandson have just lost their partner, dad, and the family dog in a house fire in Rakaia. They have lost everything they had. Every little bit will help them get back on their feet after such a really hard loss.”

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.