10 Jul 2023

Families who lost loved ones acknowledged at start of Whakaari trial

From Checkpoint, 5:12 pm on 10 July 2023

Families of those who lost their lives in the deadly Whakaari eruption were among those acknowledged a mihi whakatau today, to herald the start of a trial over health and safety failings leading up to the disaster.

The legal proceedings are the result of WorkSafe's most extensive and complex investigation.

It's been 3 and a half years since the disaster, which claimed 22 lives and left 25 seriously injured.

The judge alone trial is due to start tomorrow.

Amy Williams has been at court.