Seven churches in New Zealand were targeted in a suspected arson attack overnight, with four sustaining significant damage. The incidents occurred in the town of Masterton, located north of the capital, Wellington.
Emergency crews from across the Wairarapa region responded to the fires at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time on Saturday (3:30 p.m. GMT Friday). Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirmed that the fires are being treated as suspicious and have been referred to the police. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Authorities identified the affected churches as the Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church, and Equippers Church Masterton. Local media reported broken windows, burnt chairs, and scorched upholstery. Three additional churches were targeted but did not catch fire. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, and all fires have been extinguished.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell expressed shock at the attacks, stating, “You just don’t expect this sort of thing to happen, especially in a place like Masterton.” Local Member of Parliament Mike Butterick also shared his sorrow and praised first responders as “heroes” for their swift actions.
Additionally, a funeral home with a chapel in the same area was set on fire around 10:00 a.m. No one was inside the building at the time.
Law enforcement officers remain on the scene and are urging any witnesses to come forward. Police will also increase patrols in Masterton and nearby towns Featherston and Carterton to reassure residents.
A video circulating on social media shows a man claiming responsibility for the attacks, citing anti-religious and anti-monarchist beliefs. Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have yet to provide further comments.
This incident adds to a series of arson attacks on religious buildings in recent years. Last year, a church property in Auckland was targeted twice in one night, and a mosque in the same area was set on fire in November. In 2019, Christchurch witnessed a tragic attack where 51 people were killed in mass shootings at two mosques. The perpetrator, Brenton Tarrant, later revealed plans to burn down the mosques to maximize casualties.
