Primary charge dismissed
GNS Science is pleased to confirm that the primary charge against it in relation to the 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption has been dismissed.
GNS Science had filed an application under section 147 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 to have the charge dismissed, and WorkSafe consented to the application. On 6 October, following a brief hearing, Judge Thomas granted the application and dismissed the primary charge.
The section 147 application does not include the secondary charge against GNS Science which does not relate to the 2019 eruption. GNS has entered a not guilty plea to the secondary charge.
The dismissal of the primary charge is consistent with GNS’ view of its legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Those impacted by the 2019 Whakaari/White Island eruption remain in our thoughts.
GNS Science is actively working on a plan to return to Whakaari safely to repair the on-island monitoring equipment.