Seven Churches in New Zealand Fall Victim to Suspected Arson

Emergency services respond quickly to a string of suspicious fires, leaving the local community in shock.

In a somber turn of events, seven churches across New Zealand have become targets of a suspected arson spree. The incidents occurred early Saturday morning, with four churches in Masterton, a town situated north of Wellington, sustaining significant damage. Despite the devastation, no injuries have been reported, and the police are currently investigating the incidents.

Fire crews from the Wairarapa region were deployed shortly after 4:30 a.m. local time to douse the flames consuming the churches. Fire and Emergency spokespersons confirmed that the fires are being treated as suspicious and have been referred to law enforcement for further investigation.

The targeted establishments include the Anglican Church Of The Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church, Masterton Baptist Church, and Equippers Church Masterton. Local media described chaos, with reports detailing broken windows, burnt furniture, and charred upholstery strewn about the sites. Residents are grappling with the shock of such violence occurring in their community, as voiced by Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell, who expressed disbelief that such incidents could occur in their town.

Meanwhile, local MP Mike Butterick expressed his condolences in a statement, referring to the first responders as "heroes" for their rapid action to extinguish the fires. In a separate incident within the area, a funeral home housing a chapel was also set ablaze around 10:00 a.m. on the same day, thankfully with no one inside.

Authorities remain vigilant, asking any witnesses to come forward. Officers plan to patrol Masterton and nearby towns, Featherston and Carterton, to provide reassurance to residents shaken by the events. A video circulating on social media features an individual appearing to take credit for the arson, espousing anti-religious and anti-monarchist viewpoints.

New Zealand has seen an uptick in attacks on religious buildings, with previous incidents sparking deep concern and calling for heightened security around such spaces. As the investigation unfolds, communities are left to ponder the implications of these actions on the fabric of societal harmony.