Historic ship The Tui 'significantly damaged' by fire in Paihia
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews responded to a fire which began on the ship The Tui, which had been converted into a building on land next to the Waitangi Bridge around 4am.
Fire crews responded to the fire on The Tui around 4am. (Source: Supplied)
The timber ship was "fully on fire" and "already significantly damaged", a FENZ spokesperson said of when crews arrived.
In an update shortly before 8am, community risk manager Mitchell Brown said "sadly, the structure is about 90% destroyed, which is a significant loss of history to the community".
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"There are currently six fire crews from Paihia, Kerikeri, Kawakawa and Whangārei at the location, as well as a fire investigator."
Brown said there were no people on board overnight.
(Source: Derek Gerritsen)
"We're also working with local marae committee to ensure safety of nearby residents," Brown said.
Footage sent to 1News at 6.30am showed the grounded boat engulfed in flames as firefighters worked around the vessel.
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