Page 26 - Peter Buttle News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Whakaari defendants say no pleas should be entered Twenty-two people have died following the eruption on December 9, 2019. Photo: NZ Police. '); } else { // } The three individuals and nine of the companies facing WorkSafe charges in the wake of the Whakaari eruption have appeared at Whakatāne District Court – and argued no pleas should be entered. Just one plea was entered by notice on behalf of the National Emergency Management Agency of not guilty. Richard Raymond QC, lawyer for White Island Tours, told Judge Evangelos​ Thomas it would “simply not be cond...

Most of the defendants accused of health and safety breaches in the lead-up to the deadly Whakaari eruption are not yet in a position to enter pleas, a court has been told.

'A lot of unanswered questions' White Island's owners Andrew, James and Peter Buttle are facing one charge each. Their company, Whakaari Management, is also a defendant. The other defendants yet to enter pleas are the Institute of Geological Nuclear Sciences, White Island Tours, helicopter charter companies Volcanic Air Safaris, Aerius Limited, Kahu (NZ) Limited and Inflite Charters; as well as ID Tours New Zealand and Tauranga Tourism Services. Worksafe New Zealand filed the charges in the Auckland District Court last year, but lawyers for some of the defendants argue any proceeding...

White Island. (file image). Photo: alanpicard07/123RF There were 47 people on the volcano when it erupted on 9 December 2019, most of them international tourists. Twenty-two people were killed and many others were seriously injured. Last November, just before the first anniversary of the disaster, Worksafe announced it was laying charges over alleged health and safety breaches in the lead-up to the eruption. A two-day administrative hearing begins this morning in Whakatāne District Court. It is likely pleas will be entered. There will also be discussions about where any future hearings or t...

The 13 organisations and people charged by Worksafe in the aftermath of the eruption are set to appear in Whakatāne District Court today.