Second fire engulfs Onehunga Mall building in five years2 min read

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A vacant two-storey building on Onehunga Mall was engulfed in flames on Sunday, 25th January, almost five years after a previous fire swept through the same property.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were called to the blaze shortly after 8pm, and worked for almost 12 hours to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported, and occupants in neighbouring buildings were able to escape in time.

Neighbouring upstairs tenant, Tina, who temporarily lives with her daughter above the Onehunga Mall Superette, says they were having a farewell dinner when they smelled smoke.

“We went outside to investigate and saw that someone had lit a big pile of rubbish at the back of the building facing Gerrard Beeson Street,” she says.

Tina immediately called police and the fire department, and alerted her family to evacuate. Seven adults and a 10-year-old girl managed to escape before the flames spread to their apartment.

Strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly upward, fully engulfing the vacant upstairs apartment and downstairs vacant business.

Nearby businesses were also affected – Onehunga Jewellers suffered severe water damage, Greg Fleming’s office sustained smoke and water damage, and the Onehunga Mall Superette sustained severe damage as the fire spread to the shopfront.

Due to the structural damage, the shops from Gleway Cafe to Barfoot & Thompson are currently closed, and a temporary fence is in place.

Greg’s assistant, Shani Hatitio, said they were able to gain access to retrieve laptops and essential equipment.

Although jewellery belonging to Onehunga Jewellers was not damaged, owner Naz, has been unable to operate due to the council closing the premises, resulting in a significant loss of income.

This is the second major fire at the property. In May 2021, a fire was apparently started in the upstairs apartment, which engulfed both the residence and the business below. While no one was injured at the time, the building has remained vacant ever since.

Local business owners and staff say the vacant state of the property has attracted rough sleepers, with evidence such as clothing, rubbish and human waste found behind the building.

One person previously reported seeing people lighting fires and cooking food on a small gas barbecue.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand were praised for their quick response and are investigating.