PHOTO CREDIT: BRUCE MACKAY/THE POST

Post the Loafers Lodge fire the NZPFU organised a lawyer to assist members to draft affidavits that could be provided for any internal or external inquiry into the matter.  It was obvious there would be coroners hearings, likely criminal charges and various inquiries including a FENZ review.  We wanted to ensure our members could collate their information as soon as practicable to the event into an affidavit that could be presented in any inquiry or legal forum.  We also wanted to mitigate the harm caused when having to repeatedly recall in detail involvement in traumatic events such as the Loafers Lodge fire.

We refer members to 20 May national notice which set out the process and reasons for it.

This process was working well with draft affidavits provided to Police so they could let us know if there were issues missed or additional information requested.  Police commented positively on the calibre of the affidavits.  Police have since added to the list of those they think are relevant to the inquiries, including additional names provided yesterday.

This week Police have contacted some NZPFU members directly by phone or email.

The NZPFU continues to support our members through this affidavit process.  If you have been contacted by Police but would prefer to access the support other members have appreciated then please let us know.  We will get an NZPFU lawyer to contact you to assist with the affidavit process.   The NZPFU pays the costs of the lawyers as this is an important level of support for members given the number and type of inquiries involved.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary