Waitomo bar destroyed in massive fire

The Waitomo community is mourning the loss of a well-loved local pub after it was destroyed by fire overnight.

Thirty firefighters battled the blaze at Curly's Bar, which began about 5pm. All the patrons drinking inside the pub managed to make it out safely.

Curly's is at the centre of the community and has been around for more than 40 years.
An investigation is currently underway into what caused the blaze.