Conviction Overturned for Owners of New Zealand Volcano Where 22 Died

A judge ruled that Whakaari Management was not legally responsible for safety measures during the 2019 eruption that killed tourists and guides.

The High Court in Auckland overturned the 2023 conviction of Whakaari Management, the company owning White Island, for breaching workplace safety laws.
The 2019 eruption of the active volcano killed 22 people, including tourists and guides, and left 25 others seriously injured.
The court found that the company, managed by three brothers, was not responsible for ensuring safety at the site as it only granted access to the land through permits.
Justice Simon Moore stated that licensed tourism operators and emergency agencies were responsible for assessing and managing risks on the island.
The case has influenced New Zealand's adventure tourism laws, requiring operators to take all reasonable steps to inform customers of potential risks.