A Wellington man has been found guilty of setting fire to a storage facility, destroying millions of dollars worth of property.
Angelo Dominic Bitossi denied setting fire to the Kiwi Self Storage building in Rongotai, which went up in flames in early April, destroying and damaging items in 200 storage units.
Justice Simon France delivered his reserved decision today following a judge-alone trial in the High Court at Wellington last week.
Justice France said the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that Bitossi had started the fire in April, and charged him with arson.
Justice France said he did not accept Bitossi's denials.
"Looking at the evidence as a whole, I consider the case against Mr Bitossi was overwhelming and accordingly convict him of the offence charged, namely arson of the Kiwi Storage facility.
"There was no doubt that whoever lit the fire did so deliberately and in circumstances that met the requirements of the charge of arson."
Megan Ransom, who was a victim of the fire, estimated she lost $50,000 worth of property.
"I have lost everything you can think of, tools, furniture, family belongings and photos. I haven't even got a teaspoon to start up a house.
"I am staying with friends because I can't afford to move or go anywhere."
Ms Ransom said while she was pleased Bitossi had been found guilty of arson, it did not undo the damage caused to the hundreds of families who were affected by the fire.
She said she had seen those who lost their property in the fire suffer from breakdowns, lose their careers and and struggle to afford to feed their children.
"Not once have we heard from the mayor, or our local politicians. We are in this on our own -- and we are in hardship."
Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Ferguson said he hoped today's decision would bring some sort of closure to the number of victims who suffered a huge loss.
Mr Ferguson said there was not a "doubt in his mind that they got the right guy".
Bitossi was remanded in custody for sentencing on February 5.