New World supermarket on Auckland’s North Shore evacuated after fire

A supermarket on Auckland’s North Shore has been evacuated after its sign caught fire.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand told the Herald three fire engines and a high ladder were sent to the New World in Browns Bay about 7.45pm.

“Upon arrival we found the sign on fire and the building was smoke-logged,” the shift manager said.

“The fire has since been extinguished and crews are working to ventilate the building.”

A customer inside the supermarket at the time told the Herald smoke was coming down the side of the building and some people were struggling to breathe.

“I thought it was a drill - but noticed the flames from inside the building.

“It wasn’t too scary but when people saw the flames, people started to panic,” he said.

He said the staff successfully evacuated the building and kept everyone safe.

“They were telling people not to run. There was quite a bit of smoke and the wind was blowing it towards the meeting point.

“[There was] the smell of burnt plastic.”

The Herald has approached Foodstuffs for comment.

Last month, a massive blaze broke out at New World Victoria Park in central Auckland.

The supermarket’s owner this month confirmed the site would be rebuilt but won’t open before 2027.