A helicopter tour operator is the first company to be fined for safety lapses during the White Island volcanic eruption in December 2019
Inflite Charters pleaded guilty, and was sentenced to pay $A211,000 plus costs of $A37,000.
The volcano erupted as 47 people visited the island, killing 22 people and seriously injuring many others.
New Zealand agency Worksafe has brought charges against 13 individuals and organisations for various safety failings.
“It’s encouraging to see Inflite Charters Limited plead guilty at this reasonably early stage in the court process and take accountability for not doing enough to keep people safe,” Worksafe Chief Executive Phil Parkes said.
