Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have brought the fire on The Tui in Paihia under control this morning.

Community Risk Manager Mitchell Brown says the fire began on the ship, which had been converted into a building on land next to the Waitangi Bridge.

"Sadly, the structure is about 90 per cent destroyed, which is a significant loss of history to the community," he says.

"Our volunteer crews responded at around 4am, and they’ve been working really hard the last few hours to bring the fire under control.

"We’re just dampening down the last hotspots now.

"Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone inside the ship overnight."

There are currently six fire crews from Paihia, Kerikeri, Kawakawa and Whangārei at the location, as well as a fire investigator.

"We’re also working with local marae committee to ensure safety of nearby residents," Mitchell Brown says.

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