Tree smashes through Mourea marae roof

A local family has been left heartbroken after a 10m tree crashed through the roof of their marae, destroying the kitchen and dining room.

A family spokeswoman, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had been told this afternoon that a large tree had fallen through the roof of Paruaharanui Marae, on Hamurana Rd, Mourea.

The tree was downed as a storm raged over the Rotorua district.

"Seeing the damage was unbelievable. It's not something you ever expect to see. The damage is bad, it was a huge tree, at least 10m tall.

The damage left after a 10m tree fell through the roof of Paruaharanui Marae. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

"It's heartbreaking for the family, but at least nobody was there at the time.

"We'll go around tomorrow and do a bit of a clean-up so we can survey the damage and get an idea of the repairs needed."

Image 1 of 21: A woman is dead after a tree fell on her car on Amohia St in Rotorua today. The tree damaged a building also. Photo/Ben Fraser

Ida Brailey, who lives next to the marae, said she was sitting down to have her lunch when she heard a "huge bang".

"I actually thought it was an earthquake. My son, who lives next door, thought it was an earthquake too. I ran over to him and just started bawling my eyes out."

When asked what they planned to do next, Brailey said, "fundraise so we can build a new one".