Charges pending over Marae house collapse

Rescue workers carry away an injured worker from the Manurewa Marae. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Charges are to be laid over the deaths of two men who died when a house collapsed at an Auckland marae last June.

Marsh Terahi Wiri Peihopa, 24, and Waepeke Ruihana Tupaea, 61, were trapped under the house at Manurewa Marae when it collapsed on June 26.

Radio New Zealand today reported the Department of Labour would lay charges. However, the department would not say who would be charged until the matter went to court next month.

The 120 sqm wooden house was a gift from Manukau City Council and was to be used as a health centre at the marae.

- NZPA