The teenager accused of lighting fires across Piha, west of Auckland, has pleaded not guilty.
Nineteen-year-old Cory Marson-Wood faces five arson-related charges.
He's accused of setting alight a fish and chip shop and lighting a huge scrub fire which threatened homes and lives in May.
The fire gutted Adey's Place, a popular takeaway store, and forced several families to self-evacuate after the scrub fire spread. Seventeen fire crews, 90 firefighters and a helicopter were deployed.
Judge Johns denied Marson-Wood electronically monitored bail because of the risk he may re-offend.
Upon hearing he would be staying in prison custody until his jury trial, Marson-Wood started crying. At the back of the court, his parents threw their hands up in despair.
Newshub.
