Three commercial helicopter tour operators have pleaded guilty and will no longer face trial over health and safety failings in the lead-up to the deadly Whakaari eruption in 2019.
A judge alone trial is due to start next week, at Auckland District Court. Today's guilty pleas takes the number of defendants down to six, including the island's owners and three members of the Buttle family.
The last minute guilty plea means the start of the trial will be delayed by one day.
Judge Evangelos Thomas told the court WorkSafe will need time to adjust its case.
Amy Williams has been at the court hearing and joined Lisa Owen in studio.
