Residents have been sent to the nearby Waikarā Marae, which has been set up as a support centre. As of Wednesday last night, the blaze covered more than 70ha, with about a 5km perimeter.

The inquiry was started last June, following allegations that Census and Covid-19 vaccination data collected at the Manurewa Marae was used to target Māori voters in the Tāmaki Makaurau electorate.

It was unsurprising because allegations had been made that personal data was misused by the Māori Party at the Manurewa Marae. The marae’s chief executive Takutai Moana Natasha Kemp just happen ...