Masterton parish grateful for support after church fire

After police completed their investigations at the churches, the sites were released back to their owners. Some of the structures came close to being destroyed.

Catholic Parish of the Wairarapa office administrator Denise Holden said earlier this week that insurance assessors were analysing the extent of the damage.

Ms Holden said that the fires were a huge shock and had stirred fear in the community. But everyone has come together and “we realised that we can still continue and life carries on”, she said.

“We have been blessed by others offering and sharing their facilities so we can function as normal as we can.”

The parish was able to have a Mass celebrated at the Martinborough Town Hall.

Ms Holden asked for prayers. 

“. . .  [W]e will continue to do our work and continue God’s work as long as we can — that’s what we’re here for.”

Among the other churches damaged, the Masterton Baptist Church is out of action for at least eight weeks, the foyer of the Anglican Church of the Epiphany suffered significant damage and there was extensive damage to the reception office and a feeding room at the Equippers Church.

Two other churches and a funeral home chapel were also targeted.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Michael Kane McRae, 44. Police believe Mr McRae will be able to assist them in their investigations into the fires.

An appeal was repeated for information about a green Ford Festiva spotted leaving the scene of one of the fires. The vehicle was found abandoned north of Masterton the day after the fires.

FULL STORY

https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360591336/gut-wrenching-parishes-reflect-arsons (Wairarapa Times Age) 

https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/02/26/man-sought-by-police-following-church-fires-in-masterton/ (One News)