A business torched in a large Matamata blaze is keeping upbeat.
Viking Kayaks was among the three commercial properties affected in a large fire on Saturday night.
The blaze on Firth Street was reported just before 9pm. It was extinguished before midnight.
In a Facebook post, Viking Kayaks said its staff were safe.
"Talk about starting the new year with a bang! Not quite the start we planned," the kayak manufacturer wrote.
"Thanks to everyone who has reached out. Please know our family and awesome team are OK.
"This fire is a big one and will disrupt supply for a little bit, but we are Viking so stay tuned."
Emergency services confirmed no one was injured or trapped in the buildings.
Earlier, Fire and Emergency New Zealand told 1News the fire had spread to a block of three properties.
There were 12 fire trucks at the scene on Saturday, with 50 firefighters from Matamata, Hamilton and Mount Maunganui.
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