Police in Waikato are appealing to members of the public for any information relating to a fire in Paeroa that claimed a life.
The Fire Service said the blaze occurred about 1am this morning and the building in the town's main street was well alight when crews arrived.
The roof of the building eventually collapsed.
The body of an occupant in accommodation above the shop was found after the fire was put out this morning.
Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley said the police are working closely with fire investigators to determine the cause of the fire.
A post mortem will be carried out tomorrow to establish the victim's identity and cause of death.
