New Zealand volcano owners appeal 2019 safety conviction
- In March, Whakaari Management filed an appeal against a conviction for safety breaches resulting from the 2019 eruption.
- The company argues that it was not responsible for visitor safety as it only provided access to the volcano, and tour operators managed the tours.
- The appeal is ongoing, and the outcome will determine whether the initial ruling constitutes a miscarriage of justice.
In New Zealand, the 2019 eruption of Whakaari, also known as White Island, resulted in the tragic deaths of 22 tourists and tour guides, prompting significant legal actions against the owners. Whakaari Management, owned by the Buttle brothers, was convicted in October for failing to maintain safety standards and was found liable for not conducting a proper risk assessment ahead of the eruption. This tragic incident involved 47 tourists, most of whom were from the U.S. and Australia, who were present on the island when superheated steam erupted, causing severe injuries and fatalities. Following the conviction, Whakaari Management launched an appeal, arguing that it was only responsible for granting access to the island and that the safety of tourists should have been managed by the tour operators. Their defense claims that the original ruling erroneously categorized the company as a workplace manager, thus holding it accountable for health and safety regulations. The legal proceedings will unfold in the High Court of Auckland, where the court will assess the validity of the appeal based on whether there was a miscarriage of justice in the original trial. Key arguments will focus on the scope of responsibility for managing visitor safety on White Island. As the appeal progresses, implications for tourism safety regulations in high-risk environments are being closely monitored, with the outcome potentially influencing future legal standards for similar incidents.