Latest news with #BuildingAct2004
Scoop
4 days ago
- Scoop
Manslaughter Charges For Three People Related To The Loafers Lodge Fatal 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. 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.
Otago Daily Times
25-04-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Man remains critical after Queenstown balcony fall
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES A man remains in a critical condition following a fall from a broken balcony at a Queenstown address last weekend. A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to a Frankton Rd address at about 6.30pm on April 19, following a report of a person being injured in a fall. She said one person was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where they remain. Sergeant Simon Matheson, of Queenstown Police, told Lakes Weekly that initial inquiries revealed railing gave way on a third-floor balcony, causing the man to fall about 6 metres. "We have no evidence that suggests that any person on the deck had any impact to the rail failing at this point in the investigation," he said. The man was reportedly on holiday in the resort when the incident happened. Police had spoken with the parties involved in the incident and were providing them with support. The Queenstown Lakes District Council told the New Zealand Herald it extended its sympathy to the injured person, family, and friends. "Council is liaising with police to support its investigation into the cause of the incident," a council spokesperson said. "Council is addressing its own inquiries under the Building Act 2004 to assess building safety, and will undertake any action it considers appropriate in the circumstances to ensure this."
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- NZ Herald
Man critically injured after Queenstown balcony glass gives way in freak holiday accident
A glass balustrade he was leaning on 'gave out', causing him to fall three storeys or 6m. A relative wrote that the man fell from a 'significant height and has suffered horrific and life-changing injuries'. He suffered a 'major brain injury' and was put in an induced coma, and has multiple broken bones in his back and neck. Police were called to a property about 6.30pm on the day of the accident. 'Initial enquiries have established that a portion of the balcony gave way, leading to the fall. 'Police inquiries into the incident are ongoing, alongside other relevant agencies.' Sergeant Simon Matheson told Lakes Weekly there was no evidence that any person had caused the incident. The Queenstown Lakes District Council said it extended its sympathy to the injured person, family, and friends. 'Council is liaising with police to support its investigation into the cause of the incident,' a council spokesperson said. 'Council is addressing its own inquiries under the Building Act 2004 to assess building safety, and will undertake any action it considers appropriate in the circumstances to ensure this.' WorkSafe confirmed it was notified of the incident and made initial inquiries. A spokesperson said it had not opened an investigation 'as the local council and New Zealand Police are best placed to respond'.
