November 30, 2020
Ngati Awa company to face Whakaari-White Island charges
Ngati Awa-owned White Island Tours and GNS Science are among 10 organisations and three individuals charged yesterday by WorkSafe in connection with the Whakaari eruption in December 2019 that claimed 22 lives.
National Emergency Management Agency or Civil Defence and another tour operator, Volcanic Air are also among those charged.
WorkSafe chief executive Phil Parkes says the investigation did not consider the rescue and recovery of victims after the eruption.
He says the eruption was unexpected but was not unforeseeable.
The 10 organisations or companies will face charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act and three directors or individuals will face charges relating to exercising due diligence to ensure a company meets its health and safety obligations.
WorkSafe had one year from the incident to file charges.
The first court date is scheduled for December 15 at the Auckland District Court.
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