At approximately 11.00pm on Tuesday 2 August, there was a suspicious fire at the Keirunga Gardens Arts and Crafts Society, Puflett Road, Havelock North.
The fire started underneath the stand-alone flat, beside the main building, and rapidly escalated causing the flat to be gutted.
More than 50 firefighters were involved in trying to control the blaze and were successful in saving the historic buildings nearby.
The grounds of the Keirunga gardens are closed to motor vehicles at dusk, however access can easily be gained on foot.
Police are treating the fire as an arson and are requesting information from the public.
Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in this area between 9.00pm and 11.30pm on the Tuesday 2 August or anyone with other related information, is asked to contact Hastings Police on 06 873 0500.
Alternatively, information may be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Police Media Centre