Burnt Place

Hawera, Taranaki, NZ, June 2012: Another fire gutted building, this time in the town I grew up in, Hawera. The town has seen many major fires over the years, in pre-colonial times and during the early days of “Pakeha” settlement in particular. This led to the building of Hawera’s iconic concrete water tower. The Maori name “Te Hawera” not surprisingly means “the burnt place”…This inferno made the news, because it was the home to the partner of the region’s most wanted fugitive..  I took a photo from the street then had a look round the back. The door was open, so was obliged to have a peek inside…

Arson

Taita, Wellington, NZ, last week:  I’ve noticed a few fire gutted houses around the place recently. Spotted the remains of this place last week. A quick google search (confirmed by google maps), found that police suspect this house had been burgled prior to being set alight….

 

Fire!

Wellington, New Zealand, today:  Yesterday it was hail- today fire. The massive blaze broke out in a century old villa and brought the central city to a standstill. The building was abandoned and no one was injured, but the fire is being investigated and arson has not been ruled out.  Canon SX30is