Two Waipawa businesses – Four Square and Lulu & Max childcare - were destroyed by an early morning fire yesterday.
Emergency services were called just before 4.30am to the fire on High Street, with the fire fully extinguished just before 8am.
Fire & Emergency NZ say it is too early to tell what caused the fire, but a Fire Investigator will be looking into the blaze.
Two firefighters were injured while fighting the fire – with one of them taken to Hawke’s Bay Hospital with moderate injuries after suffering steam burns.
Police closed State Highway 2 through High Street while a number of fire crews were in action, putting diversions in place until around midday, when the road was fully re-opened.
The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council shut down water to parts of Waipawa, with residents told to expect low water pressure for a period of time.
Mayor Alex Walker said the fire has left everyone “devastated”, with the first priority to support business owners Graham and Rachel and the wider Four Square and Lulu and Max after school day care families through this tragic time.
She thanked Fire Emergency New Zealand, Police, Council and Council contractors who went above and beyond.
The building’s owner, Jason Wray, said he was 100% behind supporting the CHB community through this tragedy, and the intention is to rebuild.
On social media, Four Square owner, Rachel Williams, thanked everyone for their support.
Meanwhile Lulu and Max says it will continue to operate out of the Waipawa Primary School Hall.
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The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has dropped water restrictions in the district to Level 1.
Level 1 means the likes of handheld hoses, the washing of cars and filling of swimming pools is allowed, but the Council still ask all residents to remember to conserve water at all times.
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There was a magnitude 4.2 earthquake in Central Hawke's Bay on Sunday evening.
Geonet said the quake, which struck at 5.55pm, was located 10km east of Waipukurau, with a depth of 31km.
It caused light shaking, with Geonet receiving 'felt reports' from as far away as Tauranga and Masterton.
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Police investigating reports of traffic offending on State Highway 2 south of Pakipaki last Tuesday have seized four vehicles.
Police made an appeal for information from the public, or to those who had video footage or images of traffic offences following a large tangi, to contact them.
The offences included dangerous driving and burnouts.
Inspector Martin James said the four vehicles were seized after Police followed-up reports.
He said a dedicated team continue to view video footage and photographs in relation to the activity.
Mr James said Police are committed to holding those responsible for this anti-social behaviour accountable.
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Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact Police - in person, online or by calling 105 and referencing Operation Stone.
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Weekend sports results :
Hawke’s Bay Super 8 Netball
A loss for Otane Thirsty Whale last week, beaten 49-42 by All In Elusive.
Two wins for Central Sports Vet Services – with a 39-36 win against Napier Girls High on Thursday night, and a 43-42 win over Hastings Girls High on Friday.
Otane slip to second on the table following their first loss of the season, with Central placed 5th with three wins and three losses to date.
Bush Rugby
A win for Puketoi, 20 to nil, over East Coast.
Manawatu Rugby
The Dannevirke Seniors had a 27 to 24 win over College Old Boys; while the Dannevirke Colts went down 28 to 25 to Feilding Old Boys.
Hawke’s Bay Rugby
