Fire guts community centre
Kerikeri based youth centre There’s A Better Way has been dealt a double-blow.
Not only have they lost the use of their building after a fire on June 11, but thieves have made off with their TV, laptops, Xbox, games and even their handmade arts and crafts.
Two Kerikeri fire appliances dealt with the early morning blaze which was started by two 14-yearolds outside the pavilion in the Kerikeri Domain.
The adjoining squash club was also extensively damaged. A police spokesperson says both boys have been referred to youth aid.
They called police when the fire got out of control, says the spokesperson. Tiana Apiata who runs the youth centre together with her partner Peter Poharama is ‘‘heartbroken.’’
‘‘Everything that we have done and built up is gone.’’
Initially they thought only the ping pong table and some graffiti artwork created by youth at the centre were damaged in the blaze.
But upon visiting the centre on June 16 they discovered the items in the locked storeroom had been taken.
The pool tables had also become warped from water used to fight the blaze, says Apiata.
‘‘Only the couches, barbecue and bar stools are salvageable.’’
Every Friday night the pair would host at least 20 kids for food, sport, games and other activities.
Kerikeri Squash Club president Dave Collins says the club is ‘‘pretty devastated.’’
Both courts inside the building were damaged beyond repair.
‘‘I got a call from one of the members at around 6.30am on Saturday when they went in for an early game but found the fire brigade there.’’
The 125-member club is looking at temporarily using other courts in the area.
Squash NZ has offered support about moving the annual tournament to another location, says Collins.
Past president Claude Shepherd says they are hoping there is enough insurance money to rebuild it.
‘‘But that could take six to twelve months, it’s quite a major.’’
Far North District Council is working with insurance assessors to decide the pavilion’s future.
Phone Kerikeri police with any information about the stolen items 09 407 9211.