Marae fire a mystery

Police admit they have little to go on in investigating the suspected torching of an isolated marae.

Constable Bill Crowe of Te Awamutu and Waikato fire safety officer David Jenkins found few clues as they sifted through the remains of the meeting house at Mahoe Pa, on the southern side of Kawhia.

But Mr Jenkins said they believed the fire overnight on Saturday was deliberately lit, "but how, we are not too sure - particularly when the building's on the floor, completely flattened".

He said it was not the first incident at the isolated marae.

Last year, 10 windows in the meeting house were smashed, and in a separate family dispute some stock was stolen.

The meeting house was situated on a bush-clad 15ha Maori reserve belonging to Ngati Maniapoto.

- NZPA