Fourth person charged with manslaughter over Loafers Lodge fire

A fourth person has been charged with manslaughter over the Loafers Lodge fire that killed five people in Wellington in 2023.

Three people were charged with manslaughter last week following 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 72-year-old man is set to appear in Wellington District Court on Monday.

Last week, two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman appeared in the Wellington District Court facing manslaughter charges.

Detective Sergeant Olivia Meares said police allege all four were responsible for aspects of the building's fire safety systems.

A 50-year-old man had previously been charged with murder in relation to deliberately lighting the fire. A trial is scheduled to start before the Wellington High Court on August 25.

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.