WELLINGTON: The sentencing of tour agents and managers on a New Zealand island where a 2019 volcanic eruption killed 22 people, mostly tourists, began on Monday, with a prosecutor warning that those convicted may not be able to pay the fine.
There were 47 people on White Island, also known by its Maori name Whakaari, when the volcano erupted on December 9, 2019. Many of the survivors were badly burned by incendiary gas and ash. Most of the victims were tourists from countries including Australia, the US and Malaysia.
Tour operators White Island Tours, Volcanic Air Safaris, Kahu New Zealand and Aerius, along with the island’s corporate owner, Whakaari Management Limited, have been convicted of at least one criminal charge related to failing to ensure the safety of workers and visitors to the island. island.
Each charge carries a maximum fine of NZ$1.5 million ($924,750.00).
Kirsty McDonald, prosecutor for workplace regulator Worksafe, said the convicts said they were unable to pay the fine but argued the judge should impose appropriate financial penalties even if they were not paid.
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“The hurt that was caused was immeasurable,” McDonald said in her opening statement. “There has been a catastrophic loss of life.
White Island, an active volcano, lies about 50 km (31 mi) offshore from the town of Whakatane on the east coast of the North Island and was a popular tourist destination before the eruption. Tourists can no longer visit the island.
The victims and their families, several of whom traveled from overseas, will read statements about the eruption’s impact on their lives before a judge delivers sentences and demands for compensation later this week or next.
McDonald said White Island Tours had NZ$5 million and Volcanic Air had NZ$300,000 available to cover reparations through the insurance they had. The other entities did not have the funds available to pay reparations.
The government-funded Geological Nuclear Sciences research institute will be condemned later in the week for failing to ensure the health and safety of helicopter pilots transporting scientists to the island. The charge is unrelated to events on the day of the eruption.
