Arson Attack Strikes Seven Churches in New Zealand

Seven churches were attacked overnight, leading to significant concerns about community safety and the motives behind the incidents.

In a shocking incident early Saturday morning, seven churches across New Zealand were targeted in what is believed to be a coordinated arson spree. Four churches in Masterton, located north of Wellington, suffered moderate to significant damage while three additional buildings were identified as having been purposely targeted, although they escaped the flames.

Emergency services responded to calls about the blazes shortly after 4:30 am local time, and the fires are currently being classified as suspicious. According to a spokesperson for Fire and Emergency, the investigation has been handed over to law enforcement, who have yet to make any arrests.

The affected churches include the Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Masterton Baptist Church, and Equippers Church, which were all engulfed in flames, prompting chaotic scenes. Reports detailed broken windows, burned chairs, and charred furnishings within the buildings. Thankfully, all fires have been extinguished, and there were no injuries reported during the incidents.

Masterton's Mayor, Gary Caffell, expressed the community's shock at the attacks, stressing that such an event was unexpected in their town. He conveyed to the media, "You just don't expect something like this to happen, particularly in a place like Masterton."

Local MP Mike Butterick also shared his condolences, referring to first responders as "heroes" for their swift action during the night.

Additionally, a residential funeral home containing a chapel was set ablaze around 10:00 am, but fortunately, it was unoccupied at the time. Police investigators remain on site and urge anyone who witnessed the events to come forward with information. Officers will also maintain a visible presence in Masterton and neighboring towns, including Featherston and Carterton, ensuring the community feels secure.

A video circulating online features a man seemingly taking responsibility for the attacks, while expressing anti-religious and anti-monarchist views. Authorities have been reached for more details as the investigation continues.

This alarming trend of arson attacks on religious establishments isn’t isolated. Last year, a church property in Auckland was set ablaze twice in one evening, and a mosque was also targeted in the same area. The severity of these events echoes the tragic loss experienced during the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings, reminding many of the growing issue of violence aimed at religious institutions in New Zealand.