Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) risk reduction adviser Scott Lanauze said one occupant was present at the Waikouaiti property in Matanaka Dr at 3.15pm when the call to emergency services was made.
The resident was alerted to the fire by smoke alarms.
When the resident discovered smoke on the ground floor of the house they left and called emergency services.
When crews arrived they found a well-involved fire at the two-storey building and additional pumps and tankers were called in to help contain, control and extinguish the fire.
A scene investigation took place on Monday evening and yesterday to confirm the origin and cause of the fire, which has been classed as accidental.
Based on the information available, an electrical event happened in a ground floor bedroom, resulting in a self-sustaining fire which destroyed the house.
The house had 10 smoke alarms and the owners were to be be congratulated for ensuring all areas of the house were protected by them.
Smoke alarms and an escape plan with a safe meeting place were important steps for ensuring people and families got a chance to escape from a potential house fire safely, Mr Lanauze said.
The farm at Matanaka is believed to be New Zealand’s first European-style farm with New Zealand’s oldest surviving farm buildings, none of which were damaged in the blaze.
