What's happened
Whakaari Management, owners of New Zealand's White Island, are appealing their conviction for safety violations linked to the 2019 volcanic eruption that killed 22 people. They argue that tour operators, not the company, were responsible for visitor safety. The appeal is currently being heard in Auckland's High Court.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Whakaari Management's lawyer argued that the company merely granted access to the volcano and did not manage tours, stating, "It did not run the tours. It did not direct or supervise the tours." The Independent echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company's claim that tour operators were responsible for visitor safety. The trial judge, however, found the company guilty of health and safety failings, noting they failed to conduct a risk assessment despite prior warnings of volcanic activity. This contrast illustrates the ongoing debate about liability in adventure tourism, particularly in hazardous environments.
How we got here
In October 2023, Whakaari Management was found guilty of failing to protect visitors during the 2019 eruption. The company was ordered to pay significant fines and restitution. The appeal was filed in March 2024, challenging the trial judge's ruling on their responsibility for safety.
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New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It comprises two main landmasses—the North Island and the South Island —and around 600 smaller islands, covering a total area of 268,021 square kilometres.