Sun Mar 02 06:10:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Volcano Owners Cleared of Responsibility in 2019 Eruption Tragedy
**WELLINGTON, New Zealand** – The owners of Whakaari/White Island, the New Zealand volcano that erupted in 2019 killing 22 and injuring dozens, have been acquitted of workplace health and safety breaches. The High Court overturned a 2023 conviction against Whakaari Management, a company run by the Buttle brothers who own the island.
The initial ruling found the company liable for failing to ensure visitor safety and resulted in a fine of $560,000 and $2.68 million in reparations to victims. However, the High Court ruled on Friday that the company, which only licensed tours on the island, did not have day-to-day control over operations and therefore could not be held responsible for the safety of visitors.
Justice Simon Moore acknowledged the immense suffering of the victims’ families but stated that the licensing agreement did not grant Whakaari Management the authority to oversee safety measures on the island. The decision means the Buttle family will not have to pay the millions of dollars in restitution.
James Cairney, the brothers’ lawyer, welcomed the ruling, stating the family hopes it provides clarity for landowners who grant recreational access to their property. The Buttle family has owned the island since the 1930s. The eruption, which occurred while 47 people were on the island, remains one of New Zealand’s worst tourism tragedies.
First Piper 