Waipoua Forest fire, Northland

The story so far

Fire and Emergency NZ contained the fire by 1 March, covering 91 hectares, and residents were allowed to return home that Sunday evening; Tāne Mahuta was reported safe.^{2 Mar 2025} A total fire ban was imposed across much of Northland, and later across the Far North, while residents began returning to the Waipoua Settlement to clean up.^{28 Feb 2025; 4 Mar 2025}

Latest

On 5 March, the fire was reported to have been caused by an out-of-control rubbish fire, which burned through 100 hectares of scrub and pine and threatened more than 20 homes.^{6 Mar 2025} The fire was described as contained and residents had begun returning home, with the Far North fire ban in place.^{4 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 26 Feb 2025Fire on Waipoua River Road spreads to 70 hectares; last residents evacuated.
2. 27 Feb 2025Dozens of residents evacuated to a marae; some may be displaced for a week.
3. 28 Feb 2025Fire reaches about 96 hectares; total fire ban imposed across much of Northland.
4. 2 Mar 2025Fire contained at 91 hectares; evacuated residents allowed to return home.
5. 4 Mar 2025Far North fire ban imposed after the nearly 100-hectare blaze is contained.
6. 6 Mar 2025Investigators link the blaze to an out-of-control rubbish fire; over 20 homes threatened.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.