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Esarona David Lologa found guilty of Loafers Lodge murders

RNZThe PostThe PressWaikato Times1NewsNZ HeraldStuffOtago Daily TimesFriday 26 September 2025 · 8 outlets · 12 reports · updated

In this story High Court

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

Esarona David Lologa has been found guilty of five counts of murder and one count of arson following the 2023 Loafers Lodge fires in Newtown. After a five-week trial, the jury deliberated for 17 hours before delivering the verdict. Lologa had previously used an insanity defence, which was rejected by the jury.

How they headlined it

First reported by RNZ, Fri 26 Sep 2025, 9:51am · 12 reports from 6 outlets over 8 hours
  1. RNZRNZ

    Deliberations continue in Loafers Lodge trial with 10-person jury (opens in new tab)

  2. The PostThe Post

    Loafers Lodge murder trial plagued by illness and ailments, two jurors down (opens in new tab)

    Also on The Press (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

  3. The PressThe Press via The Post

    Loafers Lodge fire-starter found guilty of murder (opens in new tab)

    Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab), The Post (opens in new tab)

  4. 1News1News

    Loafers Lodge: Man found guilty of murder, arson (opens in new tab)

  5. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Loafers Lodge murder trial: Man found guilty for deadly hostel blaze (opens in new tab)

  6. Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times

    Loafers Lodge blaze: Man found guilty of murder (opens in new tab)

More on Loafers Lodge fire murder trial

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