A central Auckland home was struck by lightning, causing its roof to burst into flames as thunderstorms hit the region. A Central Auckland home and a Mangawhai home were struck by lightning, resulting in fires as thunderstorms hit the region. Firefighters were called to two separate incidents on Thursday evening: a villa fire in Grey Lynn and a lightning-related blaze in Mangawhai. In Mangawhai, Fire and Emergency crews responded after a lightning strike caused a fire that blew a fuse board. Earlier, in central Auckland, Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were called to a property on Home St in Grey Lynn about 5.30pm.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 02, 2026 06:30 UTC