Exclusive Brethren Church global head, Bruce Hales, has been in the country this week, protected by a significant security presence.

Stuff reports residents in Palmerston North's Fitzherbert have seen masked guards in combat gear with dogs, checking vehicles.

Brethren spokesperson Arnie Deck says third party contractors recommended such security.

He says like other faith groups, they're under increased threat.

"We've had an arson attack at one of our gospel halls in Australia, we sadly get quite nasty threats coming over our phone and email lines."

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