The owners of a service station that burned down in an overnight fire had moved from Auckland to Kaipara in search of a better life for their young family.

Instead, they have been targeted by multiple ram raids, burglaries and now their livelihood has been burned to the ground.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators are examining overnight’s massive blaze at Gas Kaihu.

Kaipara District councillor Ash Nayyar told the Herald the fire at the service station was “shocking and concerning”.

“I am concerned about the law and order situation in that part of Kaipara,” Nayyar said.

“I had recently met them about a month ago where their windows were smashed.”

Nayyar said the couple had spoken about the lack of CCTV security cameras in the area, and no street lights, which he has already raised with the mayor.

“They said if a car comes up to the station it would be very hard to see what or who is there.”

The business had been hit multiple times, and the culprits were believed to be locals, Nayyar said.

“They were supposed to have a meeting about these concerns this afternoon but this fire happened.

“I think the police need to investigate this.

“It is unfortunate. I have no idea about who did it.”

The Gas Kaihu was in flames when three fire engines and four support vehicles arrived at 8.44pm yesterday.

“We had a service station admin and office block on fire,” a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said.

The Fenz spokesperson said there did not appear to be any reports of injuries.

Police helped Fenz after being called to the fire just before 9pm.

Akula Sharma is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2022. She has previously worked at the Gisborne Herald.