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."

LISTEN ABOVE

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."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Arnie Deck: Brethren Church spokesperson on the increased security around the church's global head visiting the country

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/354c0205-528a-4bba-8b5a-b4f900540432/transcript