Attributable to Detective Sergeant Olivia Meares:
Wellington Police have charged a fourth person with manslaughter in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge in 2023.
The 72-year-old Wellington man was arrested this morning and is due to appear in the Wellington District Court today.
It follows the arrest of two men aged 75 and 58, and a 70-year-old woman, late last week, all of whom are facing charges of manslaughter. Police allege all four individuals were responsible for aspects of the building¡¯s fire safety systems.
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.
As the case is before the court, Police will not be commenting further.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre