Police investigate cause of Raglan cottage fire

Monday, 29 June 2026

Raglan couple John Vissers and Tracey Bonnington's cottage was destroyed in a fire on June 15.

Police are investigating a fire that destroyed a Raglan cottage.

Fire crews from Raglan, Ngāruawāhia, Te Ākau and Hamilton were called to the blaze on June 15, when the single-storey cottage was “well-ablaze”.

The cottage was destroyed, leaving owners John Vissers and Tracey Bonnington to face a long road to recovery, especially as Vissers - a carpenter and creative - lost his tools and materials.

What was left of the cottage after the fire.

Fire and Emergency referred the Waikato Times queries to the police, who said they are “undertaking enquiries into the cause/circumstances of the fire”.

Police are investigating what caused the June 15 fire.

A Givealittle page set up by men’s support group BROS Aotearoa said years of memories, belongings, tools, creations, “and a place full of life” were gone within minutes.

“The loss is heavy, the cost is large, and the road to rebuilding is long.”

The page has raised about $9000 to help the couple rebuild and “get back on their feet”.

“They’ve shown up for so many of their local community over the years. Now it’s our turn to show up for them.”

Vissiers and Bonning told the Waikato Times they are grateful for the community support.

“It's humbling for us to receive and to be acknowledged for all we have done and do in our community and know that we are so loved.”