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Home / New Zealand

Large Palmerston North fire leaves family rebuilding 46-year business

NZ Herald
19 Mar, 2026 08:28 PM2 mins to read

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NZ Herald Morning Headlines | The Finance Minister will meet with fuel importers today and relief could be on the way for households - as the petrol panic continues.

A Palmerston North family thanked firefighters who put themselves “in harms way” to bring a huge fire at their business under control.

The blaze broke out at a commercial building on John F Kennedy Dr in Milson on Wednesday night, taking at least 11 hours to contain.

The owners of the building said they now must rebuild their business, which has been operating in the community for nearly half a century.

“Palmerston North has supported us for 46 years, and we are seeing that support now more than ever. For that, we are incredibly thankful,” the Vining family said in a statement.

“We are committed to coming back stronger, with the same values, passion, and commitment that have defined our business for more than four decades.”

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A commercial building fire in Milson, Palmerston North had 12 fire appliances attending. Photo / Palmerston North Fire Brigade
A commercial building fire in Milson, Palmerston North had 12 fire appliances attending. Photo / Palmerston North Fire Brigade

Twelve fire trucks and seven support vehicles from the Manawatū area attended the blaze, with further fire engines from Whanganui, Paraparaumu and Porirua.

The family acknowledged emergency services efforts, saying crews put themselves “in harm’s way to contain the fire and protect what they could”.

Several firefighters were assessed by paramedics for fatigue, given the nature and duration of the fire.

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“Their professionalism, courage, and dedication are nothing short of heroic, and we are deeply grateful for everything they did.”

On Wednesday, the Palmerston North fire crew said JFK Drive would be shut for “some time” and reminded residents downwind of the smoke to shut windows and leave air conditioning off.

The family appreciated the community’s patience while the situation had been managed.

“We are aware that the wider community has experienced some disruption in the days following the fire, including from smoke and odour.”

While the family acknowledged the road ahead would take time, their focus now turned to getting back up and running.

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They were grateful to their own staff, who sat alongside the family into the early hours watching the fire unfold.

“Their loyalty, care, and commitment mean the world to us.”

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said on Wednesday that it was too early to determine a cause of the fire, but a fire investigator was on site.

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