A Paihia man who lost almost everything he owned in an arson attack says he has been overwhelmed by the kindness of his hometown.
Roger Harper's rented home in Kings Rd was gutted by fire earlier this year, destroying the self-employed decorator's tools, clothing, furniture and other possessions. Especially wrenching had been the loss of his children's artwork which had covered the walls of his bedroom. Three of his six children also lost belongings.
Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Craven has pleaded guilty to arson, burglary and causing intentional damage, and is due back in the Matariki Court at Kaikohe on July 17.
When the fire started around 5pm on January 24, Mr Harper was at the pub; his son, Ariki, grandson Romeo and a nephew visiting from Australia had just walked into town. A day earlier, all four grandchildren and his two youngest daughters, Chevylee, 7, and Saffyre, 6, had been staying at the house for a summer holiday.
The only possessions that survived the fire were his fishing rods and a few power tools in the basement. Among the items destroyed were a new tent and airbeds for a planned camping trip to celebrate Chevylee's birthday, and $500 set aside for Ariki's 17th birthday the day after the fire.