The Anglican Church of the Epiphany: Police say a series of fires at churches in Masterton early on the morning of 22 February, 2025, are suspicious. Photo: RNZ/ Rachel Helyer Donaldson
Police are still appealing for information on a man wanted in relation to fires at six Masterton churches.
On 22 February, emergency services were alerted to six suspicious fires targeting churches and a chapel at a funeral home.
Three days later, a warrant was issued for the arrest of a suspect, 44-year-old Michael Kane McRae.
Michael Kane McRae, 44 is being sought by police after arsons at churches in Masterton. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
At the time Police said they believed McRae was still in the Wairarapa area.
Police now say McRae is yet to be found and they are still appealing for any information on his whereabouts.
Fires blaze though the early morning
On 22 February, Fire and Emergency said four blazes, all thought to have started between 4:25am and 4:35am, were seen at Anglican Church Of the Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton.
Two additional arsons attempts were then found at St James Union Church and the Kingdom Hall.
The Gary Pickering Funeral Home was also set alight about 10am.
In each case, a petrol bomb was thrown through a window.
Police believed the funeral home was targeted because there is a chapel there.
Some of the buildings were more severely damaged than others by the fires.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
