White Island volcano disaster victims given $10m in reparations

Stephanie Browitt’s recovery journey after White Island volcano disaster

Families of the victims of the Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption have been awarded $NZ10.2 million ($9.5 million) by a judge in New Zealand.

Judge Evangelos Thomas today sentenced four companies who either pleaded guilty or were found guilty for failing to meet obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act over the tragedy.

Forty-seven people were on the volcanic crater when it erupted on December 9, 2019, with 22 – including two Australians – dying from extreme burns and blast injuries. Many more were seriously injured.

Victims of the White Island volcanic eruption have been awarded more than $NZ10 million ($9.4 million).

Thomas spoke of the catastrophic impact the eruption had on the survivors and the 22 families who lost loved ones, including the two families whose loved ones were never recovered.

WorkSafe had been seeking reparation payments for the 25 people who were on the island and survived and the family members of the 22 who died.

White Island Tours was ordered to pay $NZ5 million in reparation and a fine of $NZ517,000.

Whakaari Management Ltd was fined $NZ1.045 million and ordered to pay $NZ4.8 million in reparation.

The judge spoke of the catastrophic impact the eruption had on the survivors and the 22 families who lost loved ones.

Volcanic Air was fined $NZ506,000 and ordered to pay $NZ330,000 in reparation.

Kahu was fined $NZ196,000 and Aerius $NZ290,000.

White Island Tours, Volcanic Air, Aerius and Kahu all received various discounts off Thomas’ starting fine for guilty pleas and expressing genuine remorse.

Volcanic Air, Aerius and Kahu also received discounts for previous good character.

Volcanic Air and Kahu also received discount for the actions of staff who selflessly flew to the island in the aftermath of the eruption.

Thomas said there’s been no similar case on this scale and nature, and said “reparation can be no more than a token recognition of the emotional harm”.

This coverage originally appeared on Stuff and has been reproduced with permission.