Mobility scooter fire damages Te Kūiti supermarket facade
Saturday 19 September 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated 
A mobility scooter parked outside the Te Kūiti Ōtorohanga New World caught fire on Thursday morning. The flames spread to the supermarket's facade and roof, but firefighters confirmed that no one was injured in the incident.
Key facts
4 facts
- A mobility scooter fire occurred at Te Kūiti New World on 18 September 2026
- The fire was reported at approximately 8.20am
- No people were injured in the incident
- The fire damaged the supermarket facade and roof
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
A mobility scooter parked outside the Te Kūiti Ōtorohanga New World caught fire on the morning of 18 September 2026. The blaze spread to the supermarket, damaging the building's facade and roof. Firefighters were called to the scene at approximately 8.20am.
Fire and Emergency confirmed the fire has been extinguished and no injuries were reported following an internal search of the store. Witness Kiri Nerai-Tuaupiki observed loud banging as the scooter ignited and noted that flames reached the main entrance within seconds.
The supermarket, which is the primary grocery store for the community, was expected to remain closed for the day. Nerai-Tuaupiki stated, "That's our main supermarket in our little town, so it's pretty tragic".
While Nerai-Tuaupiki reported that a dog inside the store died in the fire, police and Fire and Emergency have not been able to confirm social media reports regarding a pet's death.
Where reports differ
- An eyewitness reported a dog died in the fire, but police and Fire and Emergency could not confirm this
Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News and NZ Herald.