A multimillion-dollar Waiheke Island mansion, formerly linked to Mark Hotchin, has gone up in flames.
The 1990 mansion, which was once owned by a trust, KA No3, linked to Mr Hotchin, was set ablaze on Saturday as part of a firefighting drill on the Hauraki Gulf island.
Up to 45 volunteer firefighters took part in the exercise.
The house was situated on a 4.5ha beachfront property.
It was bought for $14.25m in August 2014.
The mansion has been torched to make way for a sprawling new home.
Firefighters spent the past month planning for today's controlled burn-off, which will include several 'live' scenarios firefighters face during their everyday duties.
Fire crews arrived on the island shortly before 8am to prepare for the burn-off.
Fire Service Counties-Manukau area manager Larry Cocker said on the eve of the controlled fire: "We have had a five-page checklist of things we had to do before we even approached the council for permits.
"The quid pro quo is we get a structure to practise with and realistic training for our volunteers and the owners get the house burnt to the ground."
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