Arsonist seeks power, glory

Whangarei's latest arsonist is likely to be local, male and aged over 15 and was probably among the crowd watching the blazes to feel the "power and glory" of the aftermath, a psychological profiler says.

Auckland University director of clinical psychology Ian Lambie said almost 90 per cent of arsonists were teenage boys, or men aged from their 20s to 40s.

And because the same arsonist was suspected in all three fires at the Quarry Gardens it would point to somebody over 15.

"Younger [arsonists] are often part of a gang doing it because they are bored or wanting a bit of a thrill and whoever is doing it has nothing better to do," Dr Lambie said.

"When they see and hear the fire engines and police coming down the road they want to hang around to see the reaction.

"Part of the thrill is waiting to see that and the attention it creates.

"But this arsonist is likely to be local and is likely to have been there watching the aftermath to get some reinforcement and for the power and glory from that."

Misdirected or inappropriate anger or hostility was also likely.

Recent TV coverage of large fires elsewhere in NZ might have sparked the arsonist back into action.