Marae fire not suspicious, say Fire Service

A fire which razed an isolated south Waikato marae in February was not suspicious, Fire Service investigations have found.

The fire at Mahoe Pa, a small rural marae on the southern side of Kawhia Harbour on the south Waikato coast, burnt to the ground on February 26, puzzling police and fire safety officers.

The meeting house was situated on a bush-clad 15ha Maori reserve belonging to the Ngati Maniapoto iwi. Fire safety officer Dave Jenkins said at the time he believed the fire had been deliberately lit.

Te Awamutu Constable Bill Crowe said the marae's isolation, the lack of witnesses and the destruction of the building left few clues.

But Mr Jenkins said today investigations had shown the fire was caused by an electrical fault, after signs of fusion were identified on the main switch board.

Fire safety officers were originally told power at the marae had been turned off but after police re-interviewed witnesses, it was established this was not the case.

No further action would be taken, Mr Jenkins said.

- NZPA