Law / Natural Disasters

Whakaari White Island owners' lawyer seeks inquiry

07:46 am on 11 March 2024

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The lawyer for the Whakaari White Island owners is calling for an independent public inquiry into the deadly eruption saying government agencies including WorkSafe should be held accountable.

Five companies, including that of the island's owners, have been fined and ordered to pay millions of dollars in compensation for failings leading up to the disaster and a coronial inquiry is still to come.

But lawyer James Cairney wants a Royal Commission to investigate the role of multiple government officials.

Amy Williams has the story.