Man faces Tauranga court today after Piha arsons

Adey's Place fish and chip shop in Piha was destroyed by a fire which police are treating as suspicious. Photo/Jason Oxenham.

A 19-year-old man will appear in the District Court of Tauranga today after a string of suspicious fires in the Piha area.

Waitakere police area commander Scott Webb said the man is a Piha resident. He was arrested yesterday morning in Tauranga.

The man faces three arson charges and one burglary charge which relates to a fire at a local fish and chip store and a large scrub fire adjacent to the store. The third arson charge relates to a fire that occurred in the Auckland city area within the same period.

"Piha is a tight-knit community and we understand this has been a stressful time for residents. Police would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding," Webb said.

"We have received an overwhelming response from local residents and the wider public who have come forward with information."

Mr Webb said he culd not rule out additional charges.

The first of a series of suspicious fires around the high-profile beach community was lit a week ago.

Just over 24 hours later, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, another spate of fires was reported on the Marawhara Walk Track at North Piha.

Soon after, fire crews became aware of two more fires on Lion Rock and a third on the embankment at the intersection of Marine Parade South and Beach Valley Rd.

Later that day police described the fires as suspicious and appealed for help from the public.