The chair of Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Incorporated in Tauranga says the fire that damaged one of its marae buildings has left people devastated.
The badly damaged administration building at Tamapahore Marae. Photo: Tauranga Police
Kevin Haua said the fire, which took place in Mangatawa on Tuesday just after 11pm caused substantial damaged to a wooden deck and administration building.
Mr Haua said the fire would be very disruptive as it was the hub of the corporation's business and the three staff who worked in the building would have to relocate until it was repaired or rebuilt.
The marae's badly burnt files and records. Photo: Tauranga Police
He said the vandalism has caused great anger and the Mangatawa community is devastated that someone would lower themselves to do such a thing.
Mr Haua said some of the kaumatua cried when they saw the damage.
Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Incorporation is a Maori Incorporation formed in 1957, its main business activity is farming.