He moved on to a small garden shed situated next to another flat, entered the shed and deliberately used a cigarette lighter to set fire to flammable items that were in storage.
A Maori warden living nearby saw the fire and rushed to the house adjoining the burning shed, to alert the occupant who was disabled.
She saw Rongonui in Opaki Rd and told him to use a hose to put out the fire, which he did.
Police and fire service attended the fire.
The shed was damaged from scorching and a pram and pushchair were destroyed.
Rongonui was arrested when police found him in the neighbouring driveway.
Defence lawyer Virginia Pearson said Rongonui was a young man, had only appeared before the court once before and accepted that he had made a stupid mistake.
"He has been under the influence of alcohol. He has essentially embarked, in an intoxicated state, in a spate of petty crime."
Ms Pearson said Rongonui, on realising the risk and danger involved in lighting the fire, had turned back and taken steps to put it out.
"He was extremely remorseful, this was a one-off incident," she said.
Judge Bill Hastings requested an alcohol and drug assessment and remanded Rongonui on bail for sentencing on October 31.
