Deck at Northland tavern collapses

Firefighters were called after a deck at Mangawhai Tavern collapsed but no one was injured. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Five patrons at a Northland tavern nearly got knocked off their feet after a deck they were socialising on collapsed.

The incident happened at the historic Mangawhai Tavern on Moir St, Mangawhai, about 2.30pm on Saturday.

Three fire appliances from Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Maungaturoto attended to make sure the collapsed deck was temporarily cordoned off until arrangements were made to have it repaired.

No one was injured as the 5m by 2m deck dropped about half a metre on to the roof of another building.

Established in 1865, the tavern is adjacent to the old port where the ships were loaded with the kauri milled from the bush.

It was a watering hole for the kauri bushmen and port workers and each year it provided a stunning harbourside venue as the community celebrated Mangawhai's rich heritage.

Mangawhai fire brigade senior station officer Robert Leslie said since it was a historic building, old and rotten timber on its deck gave way.

Mr Leslie said the deck would probably need to be demolished and rebuilt. He said the tavern was not shut down as a result of the incident.

Tavern management declined to comment when contacted yesterday.