Source: Radio New Zealand
The scene on the night of 30 October. Supplied/ Mike Dixon
An 18-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested and charged with arson, following a large fire in the old Fitzherbert bar in central Palmerston North.
Police were called to the blaze on the evening of 30 October.
Huge flames and a large cloud of black smoke could be seen billowing up from the large building at the time.
The blaze in the closed down student pub on Ferguson Street prompted widespread text warnings from Fire and Emergency NZ, warning people in the city to stay indoors and keep windows closed.
Fire broke out at long-closed student pub The Fitz, on Ferguson Street, in Palmerston North, on Thursday 30 October, 2025. Supplied/ Wayne Belk
Detective Senior Sergeant David Thompson said the fire was deemed suspicious after initial inquiries.
The investigation identified a number of people who were in the building that afternoon, and one has been arrested.
He said further action against others involved was likely.
The man is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court next Tuesday.
The Fitz opened in 1966, and was known for its raucous atmosphere and sticky floors. It has been boarded up since it closed in 2008.
Fire broke out at long-closed student pub The Fitz, on Ferguson Street, in Palmerston North, on Thursday 30 October, 2025. Supplied/ Mike Dixon
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
