30.11.2020
3 min read

WorkSafe New Zealand brings charges to 13 parties over deadly Whakaari/White Island volcano eruption

The eruption killed 22 people, including 14 Australians.

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New Zealand’s workplace safety watchdog is pushing ahead with charges against 13 parties following the volcanic eruption of Whakaari last year which killed 22 people.

The blast, which claimed 14 Australian lives, occurred on a bright summer’s day while tours to the island were taking place.

WorkSafe chief executive Phil Parkes on Monday confirmed that charges were filed in the Auckland District Court against ten organisations and three individuals with breaches under the Health and Safety at Work Act, but would not release the investigation report because it is now a matter before the courts.

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“The victims - both workers and visitors - all had a reasonable expectation that they could go to the island knowing that those organisations involved had done all they were required to do to look after their health and safety. But had they? That’s the question WorkSafe was mandated to investigate,” he said on Monday.

“After the largest and most complex investigation WorkSafe has ever undertaken, we have concluded that 13 parties did not meet their obligations and should face charges in court.”

The eruption of Whakaari last year killed 22 people including 14 Australians. Credit: AP

The ten organisations charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act now face a maximum fine of NZ$1.5m (AU$1.4m).

A further three individuals have been charged as directors or individuals who failed to meet health and safety obligations.

They each face a maximum fine of NZ$300,000 (AU$285,000).

The parties have not been named as under NZ law, they have the right to seek name suppression on their first court appearance on December 15.

A preliminary hearing for the charges will be held on December 15 in the Auckland District Court.

The eruption took place during a spell of heightened ‘level two’ volcanic unrest, as measured by the country’s official seismic monitoring agency.

No tourism has occurred on the offshore volcano, found 50km north of Whakatane on the north-east of New Zealand’s North Island, since the tragedy.

File image of White Island, New Zealand following the deadly event. Credit: AP

Whakaari/White Island disaster death toll rises

Last week, New Zealand police confirmed that the death toll from the 2019 Whakaari White Island eruption had risen to 22.

Horst Westenfelder, a 64-year-old German national, died on July 2 at an overseas hospital from medical complications while receiving treatment for injuries he received during the eruption, police said.

White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano, lies 48km offshore from Whakatane, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island.

There were 47 people sightseeing on the privately owned island when the volcano erupted on December 9.

Plumes of steam rise above White Island off the coast of Whakatane after the eruption last year. Credit: Mark Baker/AP

Confirmation of Westenfelder’s death was completed “as soon as practically possible,” a police spokesperson said.

A coroner had to rule that the death was due to injuries suffered in the explosion and all relevant parties had to be notified first, police said.

It was “unbelievable” how many months Westenfelder had fought for his life, his wife Angelika was cited as saying in a police statement.

“It is an irreplaceable loss for our family, his friends and of course for myself. In loving memory of a full and exciting life. I will always miss you.”

To mark the anniversary of the eruption, a remembrance event for families and emergency responders will be hosted by the local Maori tribe, Ngati Awa, with a minute’s silence to be observed at the time of the eruption.

Ngati Awa plans to host a larger and more inclusive event when international borders re-open.

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- with AAP

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