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Fire and Emergency were called to the building, Loafers Lodge, on Adelaide Rd in Newtown at 12.25am on Tuesday, and found the top floor of the building on fire, incident controller Mike Dombrowski said.

In an interview with RNZ, FENZ People deputy chief executive Brendan Nally confirmed a further 20 has been accounted for. The hostel has been confirmed to have 94 rooms.

Wellington City Council media manager Richard MacLean said the council was dealing with about 50 occupants from the building who had been temporarily rehomed at Newtown Park.

Those trying to find or contact loved ones are recommended to contact the Police on 105 in the first instance.

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