Light at End of Tunnel for Church Damaged in Alleged Arson Attacks – 1News
Firefighters extinguished a blaze at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Ōtara, South Auckland, early on the morning of April 5, 2025, after the building was deliberately set alight in what police are treating as a suspected arson attack.
The fire, reported just before 3:00 a.m., caused significant damage to the nave and roof structure of the historic timber-framed church, which has served the local community since 1958. Emergency crews worked for over two hours to contain the flames, preventing spread to adjacent buildings including the church hall and vicarage.
Police confirmed they are investigating the incident as arson, citing multiple points of origin and the absence of electrical or gas faults in the affected area. Detective Senior Sergeant Lisa Maree of Counties Manukau Police stated, “We are treating this as a deliberate act and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby properties and speaking with witnesses who reported seeing individuals in the vicinity prior to the fire.”
The church congregation, predominantly Samoan and Tongan New Zealanders, gathered outside the damaged building later that morning for a prayer service led by Vicar Reverend Sione Latu. “We are heartbroken, but our faith remains unshaken,” Reverend Latu told 1News. “This place is more than wood and stone — it is where we baptize our children, marry our couples, and lay our loved ones to rest. We will rebuild.”
Local MP for Ōtara, Agnes Loheni, visited the site and condemned the attack, calling it “an assault not just on a building, but on the spiritual heart of our community.” She confirmed she has requested urgent meetings with the Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and Local Government to discuss potential funding support for restoration, noting that heritage churches damaged by criminal acts may qualify for emergency assistance under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act.
The Anglican Diocese of Auckland has not yet released an official statement on the extent of structural damage or estimated repair costs, though a spokesperson confirmed that engineers and heritage architects have been dispatched to assess the building’s stability. A preliminary safety inspection indicated that even as the walls remain standing, the roof trusses are compromised and require immediate shoring.
Forensic investigators from Fire and Emergency New Zealand remain on site, with officials indicating the investigation could take several weeks. No arrests have been made, and police have appealed for anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage from the Ōtara area between 2:00 a.m. And 4:00 a.m. On April 5 to come forward.
The church has launched a public donation appeal through its website and social media channels to support temporary worship arrangements and long-term reconstruction. As of April 6, over NZD 15,000 had been contributed by local residents and businesses.
Police have reiterated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with no further details to be released at this stage to avoid compromising enquiries.