Loafers Lodge fire manslaughter charges

The story so far

Three people were charged with manslaughter in early June 2025, after a two-year police investigation into the May 2023 fire at Loafers Lodge, a hostel in central Wellington.^{5, 6 Jun 2025} The fire killed five residents.^{5, 6, 9 Jun 2025} A fourth person was charged days later, with the charges involving people connected to the management and operation of the building.^{9 Jun 2025} Police allege the accused were responsible for aspects of the building's fire safety systems.^{27 Jun 2025} Four accused appeared in the Wellington High Court, with name suppression in place for three of them, and all were remanded on bail.^{19 Jun 2025}

Latest

A former hostel manager, one of four people charged, pleaded not guilty in the High Court.^{27 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 5 Jun 2025Three people charged with manslaughter after a two-year police investigation.
2. 9 Jun 2025A fourth person charged with manslaughter over the fire.
3. 19 Jun 2025Four accused appear in High Court; all remanded on bail.
4. 27 Jun 2025Former hostel manager charged and pleads not guilty in High Court.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.