Three people have been charged with manslaughter over the Loafers Lodge fire that killed five people in Wellington in 2023.
The charges follow a two-year investigation into whether the state of the building and the management and compliance of its fire safety systems contributed to the fatal outcome.
Michael Wahrlich, Melvin Parun, Peter O’Sullivan, Kenneth Barnard and Liam Hockings died in the blaze that began shortly after midnight on May 16, 2023.
A 50-year-old man had previously been charged with murder in relation to deliberately lighting the fire.
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Detective Senior Sergeant Timothy Leitch said three other people had been charged with manslaughter.
“The people we have charged today were involved with the management and operation of the building, and Police allege they were responsible for aspects of the building’s fire safety system.”
Two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman appeared in the Wellington District Court today facing manslaughter charges.
They were all remanded on bail and will reappear later this month.
Leitch said police expected to charge a third man with manslaughter in the coming days.
“The loss of life and injuries experienced during this fire were preventable, and police would like to acknowledge the long-term impact, on those who lost loved ones, the residents who lost their friends, their home and treasured personal property, as well as the many others that have been affected by the far reaching and devastating event.”
Victim’s family says tragedy highlights accommodation safety concerns
The family of Liam Hockings, one of the victims of the fire, paid tribute to him in a new statement this morning.
He was described as “much loved – an intelligent, caring, and unforgettable character”.
“His absence has left a huge void in our lives and in the wider Newtown community that knew and cherished him,” the statement read.
They acknowledged the latest charges and said that while nothing could bring the victims back, “we support this step toward accountability”.
Hockings’ family said the tragedy highlighted “serious concerns” about the safety and conditions of some accommodation, “particularly for vulnerable people in our communities who are often housed in buildings like this”.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to live – regardless of their circumstances – and we urge all those who own, operate, or manage buildings to take their responsibilities seriously. Buildings must be safe, compliant, well maintained. Lives literally depend on it.
“We hope that, through this process, Liam’s death will not have been in vain, and that it may lead to real, lasting change that protects others in the future, so that no other family has to endure what we have.”
The family also acknowledged the police team investigating the tragedy.
“Their diligence and care throughout this process has meant a great deal to us.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the other victims who are grieving alongside us.”
Police, Fire and Emergency NZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment reminded those who owned or managed buildings, particularly buildings with sleeping accommodation, of their responsibility to ensure occupants were protected from fire.
These included ensuring the necessary evacuation procedures were in place, with an approved evacuation scheme if it was a “relevant building”, and ensuring the means of escape from fire were maintained.
“Where applicable, ensure you understand the maintenance requirements for the specified systems outlined in your building’s compliance schedule as required under the Building Act. Particularly those relating to the building emergency warning system or fire alarm.”
Those who owned a tenanted residential property should ensure fire safety obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 were met.
