A fire incident at the New World supermarket in Browns Bay, located on Auckland’s North Shore, prompted an immediate evacuation late on the evening of October 23, 2023. The alarm was raised around 19:45 local time when the store’s sign caught fire, leading to a swift response from emergency services.

Three fire engines and a high ladder were dispatched by Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the sign was ablaze and the building was filled with smoke. The shift manager reported, “Upon arrival we found the sign on fire and the building was smoke-logged.” Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, and crews began the process of ventilating the building to clear the smoke.

Emergency Response and Safety Measures

The rapid response from the fire service ensured that the situation was contained with minimal disruption. Emergency services worked diligently to ensure the safety of customers and staff in the supermarket. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and the evacuation procedures were executed effectively.

Local residents and customers expressed relief at the swift action taken by the fire crews. It highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness in public spaces, especially in areas with high foot traffic such as supermarkets. The response also underscored the effectiveness of Auckland’s emergency services in managing unexpected incidents.

Impact on the Community

Following the incident, the New World supermarket announced that it would remain closed for the time being while the damage was assessed and repairs were made. This closure may affect local shoppers and businesses, as the supermarket serves as a vital resource in the community.

Officials are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, focusing on the sign and its electrical components. As of now, the exact cause remains unclear, but safety inspections will be prioritized to ensure the continued safety of the facility.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards associated with electrical signage and the importance of regular maintenance checks to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

A fire incident prompted the evacuation of the New World supermarket located in Browns Bay, on Auckland’s North Shore, on October 23, 2023. The fire originated from the supermarket’s sign, leading to smoke filling the premises and necessitating a swift response from local fire services.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand dispatched three fire engines and a high ladder to the scene around 19:45 local time. According to a shift manager at the supermarket, firefighters found the sign ablaze and the interior of the building heavily smoke-logged. The fire was extinguished quickly, and crews immediately began the process of ventilating the building to ensure safety for both staff and customers.

Response and Safety Measures

Emergency responders acted promptly to secure the area and assess the situation. The quick actions of fire services minimized potential damage and ensured no injuries were reported. The shift manager confirmed that the evacuation was executed efficiently, with all customers and staff exiting the building safely.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand emphasized the importance of addressing such incidents swiftly to mitigate risks. “We arrived on the scene and took immediate action to contain the fire, ensuring the safety of everyone involved,” said the spokesperson for the fire department.

Community Impact and Recovery

The incident has raised concerns among local residents and shoppers regarding safety measures at retail establishments. Many community members expressed gratitude for the rapid response from emergency services, highlighting the importance of preparedness in such emergencies.

As the supermarket begins its recovery process, management is working closely with fire officials to assess any structural damage and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The New World supermarket chain has a reputation for prioritizing customer safety and is expected to implement any necessary improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.

With the fire now extinguished and the area cleared, the supermarket aims to reopen as soon as possible, assuring the community that safety remains its utmost priority.

A man tragically died after falling from an overbridge on the Auckland Southern Motorway early on January 5, 2024. The incident occurred in the suburb of Newmarket as police conducted speed checks on the motorway. According to Auckland Deployment Commander Superintendent Zane Hooper, the police observed a vehicle passing at an “excessive speed” just before 1:00 AM.

Police officers initiated a pursuit with their lights activated, while camera operators began tracking the speeding car. Superintendent Hooper reported, “A short time later the speeding vehicle collided with the centre barrier on the Newmarket flyover, before moving to the left-side barrier and coming to a stop.”

Details of the Incident

The series of events unfolded rapidly. Following the collision with the central barrier, the car veered towards the left-side barrier. It was at this moment that the driver fell from the overbridge, leading to fatal injuries. Emergency services arrived on the scene shortly after, but the driver was pronounced dead at the site.

In light of this incident, Superintendent Hooper emphasized the dangers of excessive speeding. He noted that police are committed to ensuring road safety and will continue to conduct regular speed checks on various roadways. The Auckland Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the subsequent fall.

Despite the tragedy, the incident serves as a reminder of the severe risks associated with reckless driving. Authorities urge all motorists to adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly to prevent further tragedies on the roads.

This incident highlights the ongoing issues of road safety in Auckland and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. As investigations continue, the Auckland community is left to mourn the loss of life in this unfortunate event.

The Fiji Rugby Union announced a net income of FJ$105,962 (approximately US$47,000) for the financial year ending December 31, 2024. This figure marks a significant decline from the previous year’s net income of over US$470,000, largely attributed to expenses incurred during the Rugby World Cup. The financial details were disclosed during the union’s 2025 Annual General Meeting held in Suva.

Total gross income for the Fiji Rugby Union reached around US$13 million, driven primarily by corporate sponsorships and grants from the government and World Rugby. The AGM also saw the approval of Lailanie Burnes as the new director of rugby, indicating a continued commitment to enhancing the sport in Fiji.

In other sports news, Ileen Pegi, the captain of the Solomon Islands women’s football team, has joined the Labasa women’s team for the ongoing Fiji Football competition. The 33-year-old striker led her national team to victory at the Oceania Women’s Nations Cup earlier this month. Pegi made an immediate impact by scoring a goal in Labasa’s 3-0 victory against Rewa on Sunday. She is expected to rejoin her national team for the Melanesian Cup tournament scheduled for November.

Pacific Islands Swimmers Compete in Singapore

Meanwhile, several Pacific Islands swimmers are participating in the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Countries represented include Fiji, Tonga, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa. The competition commenced on Sunday and will continue through the weekend, showcasing the talents of athletes from the region.

In rugby news, the Cook Islands Rugby Union is actively scouting overseas-based players for their training squad in preparation for the upcoming Oceania Tournament. According to Cook Islands News, national coach Clive Nicholas and the team management are exploring ways to include these players in their plans. Local players based in Rarotonga have already begun preparations, having held their first training session last Wednesday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

These developments highlight the vibrant sports scene in the Pacific Islands, with local teams and athletes making strides in their respective disciplines. As the sporting calendar progresses, both rugby and football in the region continue to gain momentum, promising an exciting season ahead.