Fire and Emergency New Zealand is working to extinguish a fire on a historic ship by the Waitangi Bridge in Paihia.

Four crews responded to the fire on The Tui at 4am, and two further crews have been dispatched to assist.

The timber ship is fully on fire and is already significantly damaged.

There were no people on board overnight.

The cause is not yet known.

The fire is generating some smoke around Paihia and Waitangi and people are advised to avoid the area and keep windows shut.

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