The Anglican Church of the Epiphany was among those targeted. Photo: RNZ/ Rachel Helyer Donaldson
Wairarapa police have arrested a 44-year-old man in relation to seven suspicious fires in Masterton earlier this year.
Police have filed seven charges of arson against him, after six churches and and a chapel at a funeral home were damaged by fire in February.
The man is expected to appear in the Masterton District Court on Monday.
Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom welcomed the arrest.
"I want to acknowledge the support we've had from the community during this investigation."
The fires had been unsettling and upsetting for many people, he said.
"Information from the public has played a pivotal role in this investigation and I want to thank everyone who has helped us."
Damage could be seen on the exterior of St James Union Church in Masterton. Photo: RNZ/ Rachel Helyer Donaldson
Masterton mayor Gary Caffell was relieved to hear about the arrest.
He said the churches have been working through the damage from February, and said it had been "quite an amazing situation" in that there was so much community support behind them.
"I know the churches have appreciated that."
Four churches across the Wairarapa town were set alight between 4-5am on 22 February. They were Anglican Church Of the Epiphany, St Patrick's Catholic Church Masterton, Masterton Baptist Church and Equippers Church Masterton.
There were attempted arsons at two other churches and a funeral home chapel.
At the time, Masterton mayor Gary Caffell said the community was reeling from the news and the attacks had come out of the blue.
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