House Fire in Waihau Bay

Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 8:15 AM

By Aimee Stanton

Police say everyone has been accounted for, following a house fire in Waihau Bay around 3:20am.

Emergency services were alerted to a house fire in Waihau Bay, Ōpōtiki, around 3:20am.

FENZ shift manager Josh Pennefather said the house was "well ablaze" when crews arrived.

"We're now in the phase of making sure the hotspots have been fully extinguished. To do that involves removing some of the building material."

He said crews from crews from Waihau Bay, Hicks Bay, Te Araroa, and Ōpōtiki attended, and a fire investigator is on the scene.

Police said a number of people were unaccounted for, however all have since been located.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.

Hato Hone St John said one first response unit attended scene at the Wi Tupaea Road property.

We’re committed to keeping the Eastern Bay informed with accurate, timely coverage.
Have a news tip or story idea? Email news@1xx.co.nz.

More from Regional News

SH2 Waioweka Gorge to Remain Open Under Revised Weather Response Despite Heavy Rain Warning

State Highway 2 through Waioweka Gorge will remain open under increased monitoring as an orange heavy rain warning is in place for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with NZTA updating how they respond to severe weather in the area.
Heavy Rain Warnings Issued for Bay of Plenty

MetService have issued an orange heavy rain warning and a heavy rain watch across the Bay of Plenty for tomorrow afternoon and early Saturday morning.
Warmer, Drier, Healthier: Bay Organisation's Winter Mission

Thousands of New Zealanders are ending up in hospital each year with health conditions linked to poor housing, and a Bay of Plenty organisation is encouraging people to seek support before winter takes its toll.
Full Pekatahi Bridge Closure Scheduled for July School Holidays

NZTA said the Pekatahi Bridge will be closed for six days during the July school holidays to complete maintenance on the bridge surface.