An administration building at Tamapahore Marae sustained extensive damage in a fire that police are treating as arson.

Tauranga Police have confirmed the fire, which was noticed by local residents just after 11pm last night, is suspicious.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Tamapahore Marae.

A number of fire appliances were called to the fire on Tareha Lane to deal with the blaze.

'As a result of the fire, extensive damage was caused to a wooden deck as well as the side of an administration building on the Tamapahore Marae,” says Detective Sergeant Alan Kingsbury.

Police detectives and fire investigators from the New Zealand Fire Service have been involved in conducting a scene examination this morning.

Until forensic testing is completed, police are unable to say exactly what caused the fire, but have confirmed it is suspicious.

Alan says police are interested in hearing from anybody who was in the area at the time and who may have seen suspicious behaviour.

'It's likely that people in the community will know who was responsible,” he adds.

'It's too early to say whether or not the fire was connected to recent fires which have occurred in the Papamoa area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tauranga Police on: 07 577 4300.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers line on: 0800 555 111.