Seven houses near Aranga in the Kaipara District of Northland have been evacuated tonight as emergency services battle a large scrub fire which is threatening properties.
About 20 firefighters and five helicopters are battling the fire which started about 3.45pm today and has now burnt through 70 hectares of land.
Civil Defence was assisting wit the evacuations as a safety precaution.
Northland District Fire and Emergency manager Wipari Henwood said two night crews were monitoring the situation.
Five helicopters, 40 firefighters and heavy machinery would return tomorrow at first light.
