The woman who died in a house fire in Feilding is understood to be a respected school counsellor and the mother of rapper PNC.
The Coroner's office has confirmed it is investigating the death of Kathy Hansen whose Fitzroy St home was destroyed by fire on Wednesday night.
Six fire trucks and 30 firefighters were called in to battle the blaze about 8pm but were unable to enter the house due to the intensity of the flames.
Attempts to contact the Auckland-based
rapper and his management were unsuccessful
but he has since cancelled an appearance at a show in Christchurch. His replacement for the show posted on Facebook that PNC could no longer attend due
to "the passing of a family member".
PNC dedicated a song to his mother on his latest recording, The Luke Valima EP , which was released at the end of July.
