A scrub fire that caused the evacuation of a tiny settlement at Cape Palliser in South Wairarapa has been controlled.
The central fire communications shift manager, Mike Wanoa, says a handful of houses at Mangatoetoe, east of Ngawi, were evacuated.
He says strong northerly winds fuelled the flames but firefighters have the fire under control and are working to protect houses.
He says about 30 firefighters with seven engines were at the scene assisted by several rural fire crews and two helicopters.
The fire began at about 9am on Saturday.
