Te Arai Links’ restaurant Ric’s lost to fire, eye-witness account

“A formal investigation is currently underway, and we will await its findings before providing any further detail.”

Te Arai Links said Ric’s Restaurant was built in line with all fire compliance requirements and had been fully compliant at the time of the fire.

Diners at Ric’s Restaurant were evacuated after staff spotted smoke out the back of the venue. Photo / Dean Purcell

Another guest told the diner staff had tried to put the fire out themselves using fire extinguishers, but were unsuccessful.

The diner was one of about 20 people in the restaurant who were evacuated just before 10am, first to a carpark and later to Oceans restaurant.

“We just watched it get worse and worse as it spread to the building.”

The diner said the fire had a very acrid smell. Image / Supplied

The diner said the plumes changed from black smoke to grey and then “bright orange flames” as the fire took hold of the building. The smell was described as being very acrid.

“It smelled electrical rather than that black, smoky smell.”

Te Arai Links said Ric’s Restaurant was built in line with all fire compliance requirements and had been fully compliant at the time of the fire. Photo / Dean Purcell

The source said staff were “really amazing” throughout the whole process, acting swiftly to raise the alarm, ensure gas supplies were turned off, and vehicles were moved away from the unfolding emergency.

“I just felt so sorry for them.

“Many of the staff at Ric’s live on site, so they were watching this happen to their home as well as their workplace.”

The diner was extremely grateful to the staff, who acted promptly and proactively as the emergency unfolded. Image / Supplied

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews were alerted to the blaze at the luxury golf course north of Auckland at 10.08am. Flames were seen burning through the large building’s roof.

Te Arai Links said yesterday had been a “very emotional day” for everyone at the venue, and it was thankful nobody was injured.

“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the fire brigade for their rapid response,” a post on the course’s social media accounts read.

“Ric’s is more than a restaurant – it’s the heartbeat of Te Arai Links. It’s where our team and our guests come together, and where so many moments have been created.”

Ric’s was one of six hospitality outlets on the golf resort. It offered laid-back dining with wood-fired pizzas and drinks. The restaurant opened on to a 2.5-acre putting green dubbed The Playground.

Te Arai Links opened in 2022 and has two courses ranked in the top 100 globally. The golf course has hosted some of the best players in the world, including Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy.