Loafers Lodge fire remembrance service: ‘Wellington changed forever’, City Mission says

A remembrance service for those affected by the Loafers Lodge fire has heard the tragedy has changed the capital forever.

The service, at Wellington Cathedral of St Paul from 5.30pm on Thursday, also heard from a social worker who declared “we are all responsible for this”.

Five people were killed in the blaze that ripped through the Loafers Lodge hostel early on May 16.

One of the victims was Liam James Hockings, 50. His sister Lucy thanked everyone for the incredible love and support they have shown her family.

Police and fire investigators on the top level of Loafers Lodge as they search the site of the tragedy where five died. Photo / George Heard, File

“Liam’s death has caused us to stop and to evaluate the lives that we’re leading and the legacy that we hope to leave behind,” she told the service.

She said Liam’s legacy included a tin of kai or a donation, a willingness to engage and debate politics and the news with anyone; patience and a lack of judgment for those on the margins.

The family read the poem Dash by Linda Ellis at the service.

Lou Parun paid tribute to his brother Melvin Joseph Parun, 68.

He said Melvin was a beautiful soul, who touched the lives of many and had an infectious laugh.

“As a lawyer, he dedicated his time and energy to serve others always extending a helping hand to those less fortunate and facing adversity.”

Melvin sought to create a world where every individual could thrive irrespective of their background, Parun said.

“As we mourn the loss of Melvin let’s also celebrate a life that touched countless hearts.”

Photos of the Loafers Lodge victims at the front of the remembrance service. Photo / Georgina Campbell

Kenneth Barnard, 67, was described as someone who absolutely loved a cup of tea and had a sharp mind.

“Ken loved New Zealand, he loved living in Loafers Lodge, and he loved the people that he lived with,” Reverend Canon Katie Lawrence said.

Michael Wahrlich, 67, known by many as Mike the Juggler was described as a ray of sunshine.

“You are a great friend that would give the shirt off your back if need be,” Lawrence said.

“Your love for life was taken but your spirit will always live on. Mike the legendary iconic juggler of Wellington.”

Peter Glenn O’Sullivan, 64, was the fifth victim.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau told those gathered at the cathedral there was anger and grief about what happened.

It was unexpected and senseless, she said.

“As the Mayor of Wellington, the Loafers Lodge tragedy hit me hard. I shed tears as the situation became clear. It was a heavy burden for many of us to carry. But there was an outpouring of community support and sympathy which lightened the load.”

Hundreds of people gathered at the service. Photo / Bill Hickman, RNZ

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge said it was a day that changed the city forever, or at least he hoped it did.

“Because here’s an opportunity for us to take something positive out of what is an incredibly difficult and tragic set of circumstances and by that I mean we are all culpable for the fire not individually, but collectively.

“We knew people were living in what must be considered unsatisfactory conditions and here’s a chance for us as a city, as a community, to say we’re not going to accept that and going forward we expect something better.”

Edridge has previously described Loafers Lodge as somewhere you wouldn’t stay unless you had very few options.

Tom White, a social worker who had worked in the Newtown community for more than 20 years, worked with people who lived in the building and said the fire trucks parked outside the cathedral moved him to tears.

“I feel really upset about it, about the loss of life, but also that we live in a society where places like that are acceptable and no sprinklers is legal. I think we are all responsible - not just the owners of Loafers Lodge.”

Kāinga Ora Greater Wellington regional director Vicki McLaren said 24 people had now been placed in permanent accommodation. Long-term housing was still being worked on for a further 32 people.

“We are committed to helping our community through this difficult time. We have been conducting welfare checks on our customers nearby to ensure that they are okay and have the support they need.”

Former Loafers Lodge resident Faamatala Sili is one of those with a new permanent Kāinga Ora apartment in the central city.

“This, compared to Loafers Lodge, is like finally getting my own small home that I’ve always been dreaming about,” he said.

Faamatala Sili has now been housed in a central city Kāinga Ora apartment. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The apartment came with a fridge, oven and washing machine. Wellington City Mission and other agencies have found a bed and two-seater couch for Sili, and more furniture is on the way.

It’s bittersweet though.

“I had to actually go through a really bad thing for them to finally realise that I need a place,” Sili said.

Sili made a desperate leap from his third-floor window onto a roof below to escape the blaze that night.

The Loafers Lodge mayoral relief fund has raised $372,000 and has been used to pay for things like flights for whānau, furniture, funeral costs and accommodation.

More than half of the money donated has now been disbursed and an advisory committee is being established to direct the spending of the remaining funds.

Everyone who lived in the hostel has now been accounted for. There were 99 people known to be residents at the time of the blaze.

A 48-year-old man has been charged with two counts of arson and five counts of murder. He has appeared in the Wellington District Court where he was granted interim name suppression and remanded in custody.

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.

- Additional reporting from RNZ.