Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Police say a fire at a house in the Southland town of Waikaia is suspicious and they are asking for witnesses to come forward.
The house Elswick Street sustained extensive damage in the fire which emergency services were called to just after midnight on Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Brian McKinney said.
"Thankfully nobody was injured, but the house sustained extensive damage," McKinney said.
"Police want to speak to anyone who may have observed anything suspicious in the area leading up to or immediately after the fire.
"While we are following several lines of enquiry, it's possible someone has seen or heard something that could assist our investigation."
Anyone with information can contact police on 105 or make an online report using the the file number 240222/8704.
Information can be given anonymously on 0800 555 111.