Police are seeking information on an alleged arson attack on Paeroa's community kindergarten that has left the building a shell of its former self.

The suspicious fire gutted the entire building of the early childhood centre on Paeroa's Arney Street on Saturday evening.

An example of a Sandford safe, similar to the one taken from the kindergarten.

Detective Simon Everson of the Waihi CIB says firefighters were called to the Central Kids Kindergarten just before 10pm to find the building 'well-ablaze”.

"They could do little more than contain the fire.

"A subsequent examination by Fire Safety Officer's and Police of the kindergarten building has confirmed that the office had been broken in to before the building was set alight."

Once staff members were allowed to enter the scene it was discovered that the office safe containing a small amount of cash had been stolen.

"Many have been unable to understand what would bring anyone to set fire to a building, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars damage, all for a minimal amount of cash held in the safe," says Simon.

The safe is described as a Sandleford brand safe coloured grey with a key pad on the front. It measures approx 20cm by 30cm.

"The local community is reeling from the attack as a large number of people have attended the kindergarten in the decades it has operated.

Police are appealing to the public for sightings of anyone acting suspiciously around the area of Wood and Arney Streets on Saturday night, or anyone who may have seen the stolen safe or knows who is responsible for the attack.

Anyone with information on Saturday night's incident is asked to contact Waihi Police Station on 07 8633711 or Paeroa Police on 07 8628744.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with the independent Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.