KEY POINTS:
A fugitive who allegedly beat his ex-partner before setting her house on fire on Tuesday is still at large, possibly in the central North Island.
Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Porirua man Graham Adrian Rae, 37 on Wednesday.
Rae is also known as John Jake Holmes.
The warrant, related to charges of arson and injuring with intent, was issued after a woman was attacked and her Plimmerton house, north of Porirua, destroyed by fire on Tuesday.
The woman, Rae's ex-partner, received severe bruising to her face and arms and a broken nose.
Porirua police said today they were still keen to hear from any members of the public who have come into contact with Rae.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Saunders said police believe Rae may be in the central North Island or Waikato as he has links with people living in these areas.
Rae - described as a European, 170cm tall, brown hair and of medium build - was believed to be driving a black four-door Mazda Familia, registration XRS215.
- NZPA
