Seven churches in New Zealand were targeted in a suspected arson spree overnight, with four churches in the town of Masterton sustaining “moderate to significant” damage. Evidence is alluding that three additional buildings were also targeted but did not catch fire. Fire crews from the Wairarapa region responded to the blazes around 04:30 local time on Saturday (15:30 GMT on Friday).
Churches Affected by the Arson Attacks
The affected churches in the New Zealand arson attack include Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick’s Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church, Equippers Church Masterton
Local media reported broken windows, burnt chairs, and scorched upholstery at the torched sites. Fortunately, all fires have been extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell has expressed shock at the apparent attacks, calling them unexpected for a town like Masterton. Local MP Mike Butterick also shared his “deep sorrow” and praised first responders as “heroes.”
In addition to the church fires, a funeral home containing a chapel was set ablaze around 10:00, though no one was inside the building at the time. Also, a video circulating on social media shows a man claiming responsibility for the fires, expressing anti-religious and anti-monarchist sentiments. Authorities are investigating the authenticity of the video and its connection to the attacks.
History of Arson Attacks on Religious Buildings in New Zealand
This incident is part of a troubling trend of arson attacks on religious buildings in New Zealand. In 2024, a church property in Auckland was targeted twice in one night, and a mosque in the same area was set on fire in November.
Years back in 2019, Christchurch mosque shootings, which claimed 51 lives, also included plans by the perpetrator, Brenton Tarrant, to burn down the mosques. These attacks have left a sad impact on New Zealand’s religious communities.
