![\"Kerikeri](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4JPXKW4_SUP150426FIRE1_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nKerikeri Road was closed for about an hour while firefighters doused the flames.
\nPhoto: Supplied\n<\/p>\n
A blaze that destroyed a Kerikeri charity shop was likely deliberately lit, a fire investigator says.<\/p>\n
Emergency services were alerted to the fire in a building housing a Salvation Army family store, and the Kerikeri Bakehouse and Caf\u00e9 about 6.25pm on 15 April.<\/p>\n
Kerikeri deputy fire chief Andy Hamberger said all three trucks and almost every volunteer in the brigade responded, along with crews from Paihia, Kaikohe and \u014ckaihau.<\/p>\n
The blaze took about three hours to put out and Kerikeri Road had to be closed to traffic for an hour.<\/p>\n
Hamberger said damage to the charity shop’s building, shop and stock was significant.<\/p>\n
The neighbouring bakery escaped serious damage, but a 90kg gas bottle at the rear of the building was on fire, putting the business out of action.<\/p>\n
Fire investigator Graeme Matthews said enquiries were continuing.<\/p>\n
![\"Kerikeri](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4JPXKW4_SUP150426FIRE2_jpg.jpeg\")
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\nKerikeri’s Salvation Army charity shop was badly damaged in the blaze.
\nPhoto: Supplied\n<\/p>\n
“We’ve got a bit more work to do to wrap up the investigation, but at this stage, we’re treating it as potentially suspicious.”<\/p>\n
Matthews said the fire started at the back of the building and went up into the roof space.<\/p>\n
He said it was a blow to the young family that had bought the bakery just two months ago.<\/p>\n
They had since had an electrician, gas fitter and refrigeration technician in to carry out repairs.<\/p>\n
In a social media post, the Kerikeri Bakehouse and Caf\u00e9 owners said the business would re-open from 7am Monday, and thanked customers for their patience and support.<\/p>\n
The Salvation Army store has been boarded up and will need major repairs.<\/p>\n