A Waikato man accused of deliberately set fire and destroyed a Rangiuru home has made his first court appearance.
Whana Robert Barton, 41, faced a charge of arson when he appeared in Tauranga Registrar's Court today.
Emergency services were called to the McMeeking Rd property near Te Puke shortly before 3.30pm on Monday, and found the three-bedroom house well ablaze.
Court documents revealed that the home was owned by Te Matai Lands Trust.
Barton was remanded on bail without plea for a legal aid lawyer to be assigned, and for further legal advice.