Three charged with manslaughter over fatal Loafers Lodge fire

Today, Police have charged three people with manslaughter in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge on 16 May 2023.

Two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman will appear in the Wellington District Court later today, each facing charges of manslaughter.

Police have spoken to a third man and expect to also charge him with manslaughter in the coming days.

“A dedicated team at Police has been working since the tragedy to establish if the state of the building and the management and compliance of its fire safety systems contributed to the fatal outcome”, said Detective Senior Sergeant Timothy Leitch.

“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.

“Police previously charged a 50-year-old man with murder in relation to deliberately lighting the fatal fire. This matter is before the High Court, with a trial scheduled to start on 25 August 2025.

Police, Fire and Emergency and the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment would like to take this opportunity to remind all those who own or manage a building, particularly buildings with sleeping accommodation, of their responsibility to ensure those who occupy their premises are protected from fire.

• Ensure your obligations are met under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 by having the necessary evacuation procedures in place, and an approved evacuation scheme if you have a ‘relevant building’.
• Ensure the means of escape from fire for your building are maintained as outlined in the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Regulations 2018.
• 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 2004, particularly those relating to the building emergency warning system or fire alarm.
• If you are the owner of a tenanted residential property, ensure your fire safety obligations are met under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

“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.

“As this matter is now before the courts, police will not be commenting further.”

Statement from the family of Liam Hockings

As a family, we are still coming to terms with the devastating loss of Liam, who tragically lost his life in the Loafers Lodge fire. He would have turned 53, just a few days ago.

Liam was 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.

We are aware that charges have now been laid by NZ Police against people involved with the management and operation of Loafers Lodge. While nothing can bring the victims back, we support this step toward accountability.

This tragedy has 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 also want to acknowledge the tremendous professionalism, integrity, and compassion shown by the New Zealand Police and the investigative team. 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.

We hope that, through this process, Liams 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.

We ask for privacy as we continue to grieve Liam and we will be making no further comment at this time.