By Mike Bain- The Daily Examiner.
In the early hours of February 22, 2025, the tranquil town of Masterton was jolted awake by a series of fires that targeted multiple churches and a funeral home.
The attacks, which occurred between 4:00 and 5:00 AM, left the community in shock and disbelief. The Anglican Church of the Epiphany, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Masterton Baptist Church, and Equippers Church were among the buildings set ablaze.
Later that morning, the Gary Pickering Funeral Home on Walton’s Ave was also targeted.
The method of attack was consistent in all cases: a petrol bomb thrown through a window, causing minimal but significant fire damage.
The fires were quickly extinguished, but the emotional and psychological impact on the community was profound. Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell expressed his shock and dismay, stating, “You just don’t expect something like this to happen, especially in a place like Masterton”.
The police response was swift and thorough. Duty Commissioner Bradley Allen confirmed that a dozen officers had been dispatched from Wellington, and off-duty officers from the local station were called in to assist.
The police are currently following up on CCTV footage and a Facebook post in which a local man claimed responsibility for the attacks. Commissioner Allen noted that the attacks had taken the police by surprise, but they were determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The community’s reaction was one of solidarity and resilience. Denise Holden, a coordinator at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, described the fires as a “sad, sad thing” and expressed gratitude for the quick-thinking police officer who managed to dampen the flames with an outside hose until firefighters arrived.
Equippers Church Pastor Matt Cornford echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community support in times of crisis.
The attacks on the churches and funeral home in Masterton are not isolated incidents.
Historical records reveal a troubling pattern of vandalism, arson, and hate speech targeting religious buildings in the region.
In recent years, there have been several instances of graffiti and broken windows at local churches, as well as more severe acts of arson. These attacks have left lasting scars on the community, but they have also strengthened the resolve of the residents to stand together against such acts of violence.
In the aftermath of the recent attacks, the community of Masterton has come together to support one another and rebuild.
Schools and other churches have offered their facilities to those affected, and local businesses have provided resources and assistance.
The police continue to conduct reassurance patrols in Masterton and nearby towns, urging anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation unfolds, the people of Masterton remain hopeful that justice will be served and that their community will emerge stronger and more united than ever before. The resilience and solidarity displayed in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of this close-knit town.
Update: Police are investigating after a man claimed to be behind the torching of a string of churches in Masterton.
Videos appeared on social media of a man who claimed to have started suspicious fires that damaged four Masterton churches and appeared to target three others in the early hours of Saturday.
