White Island Tours pleads guilty to charges after WorkSafe investigation into Whakaari tragedy

White Island Tours Limited has pleaded guilty to two charges laid against it by WorkSafe New Zealand following the investigation into the Whakaari/White Island eruption on 9 December, 2019.

The guilty pleas acknowledge that the company’s risk assessment processes did not adequately identify the risk of a significant eruption taking place without warning on Whakaari, therefore creating a risk to visitors and employees. White Island Tours deeply regrets this.

Director Paul Quinn says "We were all devastated by the eruption in 2019 and the victims and their whānau remain in our thoughts. In light of this tragedy, we decided that no further guided tours would be taken to Whakaari and all visits ceased from the time of the eruption.

White Island Tours Limited will not be sentenced until the charges against other defendants are resolved at the upcoming defended trial before Judge Thomas. Accordingly, White Island Tours Limited will not be making any further comment at this stage, out of respect to the judicial process and the victims.

-ENDS-

For more information please contact Bianca Ruakere on 021 453 189 or email: bianca@cloutcommunications.co.nz