Seven suspicious fires around Port Waikato, Tuakau investigated

Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand are investigating a string of suspicious scrub fires across Port Waikato and Tuakau earlier this year.

Counties Manukau South CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor said the first of seven fires being investigated began on January 11.

Taylor said five of the suspicious fires occurred in February, and police were working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to understand the scope of the series of fires.

In Port Waikato, 14 homes were evacuated and power turned off to more than 250 households during one of the scrub fires on February 17.

"At this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to whether these fires are linked or not," Taylor said.

He said no arrests had been made at this stage.

Anyone with information about those involved, or who had witnessed suspicious activity was urged to contact police online, by calling 105 or 111.