Locals devastated as central Hawke's Bay blaze destroys Four Square supermarket

"Our heart goes out to Graham and the Waipawa Four Square Whanau."
"Our heart goes out to Graham and the Waipawa Four Square Whanau." Photo credit: Facebook / Central Hawke's Bay District Council

A central Hawke's Bay supermarket has been destroyed in a large fire early on Sunday.

Fire crews responded to the large blaze at Four Square Waipawa about 4:30am.

State Highway 2 between Ruataniwha Victoria Sts has now been reopened under a temporary speed limit after the fire closed the road.

Rosa Moleta, who works at the BP service station in Waipawa, told Newshub locals were a bit "shaken up".

"It's really sad, I was a little bit worried that the rest of the block was going to catch on fire.

"The locals were pretty shaken up. I was making coffee for the firefighters this morning and a few of the workers at the four square came in and they were pretty upset."

Central Hawke's Bay District Council warned locals they've been asked to shut off part of the water supply.

"Residents of Waipawa can continue to experience low water pressure through the day as the fire continues to be fully extinguished," the council posted on Facebook.

"Please continue to keep clear and respect the space of our FENZ team.

"Our heart goes out to Graham and the Waipawa Four Square Whanau."