Fire breaks out at arena site

Auckland's troubled Vector Arena project had a further setback when fire hit the site yesterday.

Thirteen appliances were required to deal with the fire in the arena's air-conditioning duct and five people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Fire Service northern communications centre spokeswoman Megan Ruru said the callout began about 11.30am.

It was first reported to be in an air-conditioning duct, but was later reported as getting on to a roof at the site.

She said the last fire appliance left the scene just after 2pm. The level of damage was unknown.

The project to build the 12,000-seat arena in downtown Auckland's Quay Park was to be completed by the end of last year but is well behind schedule.

Richard Yan, chief executive for Richina Pacific, the owner of the arena's construction company Mainzeal, last month described the arena project as the single worst job Mainzeal had taken on in a decade.

The project was running six months behind schedule and Mainzeal had made a provision of US$7.3 million ($11.5 million) for losses on the arena and apartment developments.

Doubts over completion resulted in an August concert by British band Coldplay being called off.

Vector Arena chief executive Bruce Mactaggart could not be contacted last night.

- NZPA