$5m package for disaster-hit towns
Whakaari/White Island tour operators facing two investigations into the death of 16 tourists could seek assistance from a $5 million government business support fund.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday said ministers had decided to create a $5 million fund for businesses in Whakata¯ ne, affected by the eruption, and Westland, affected by storm damaged roads.
Speaking at her weekly postCabinet press conference, Ardern said a WorkSafe investigation into the Whakaari/White Island deaths could take up to a year.
She had asked Crown Law for advice on whether a third investigation, separate to the workplace and coronial investigations under way, was required to inspect culpability for the tourist deaths.
The eruption one week ago killed 16 people, and two bodies remained missing. In the days following, the two investigations were announced. Ardern said it was possible broader issues arising from the deaths may not be covered by the inquiries.
While she had sought advice on whether another investigation was required to fill ‘‘gaps’’, she did not expect a Royal Commission would be necessary. Both workplace and coronial investigations were sufficient in previous tragedies, such as the 2008 Mangatepopo canyon disaster and the 2010 crash of a parachuting flight on Fox Glacier, Ardern said.
Ardern would not confirm that companies possibly subject to investigation could access the fund set up for assistance.
But this was a possibility. ‘‘We haven’t concluded the establishment of the criteria … I’m going to allow [Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment] along with some ministers to work through some of the criteria.
‘‘Keep in mind there are some employees that will be affected,’’ she said.
Ardern said agencies such as police and National Emergency Management Agency will ‘‘reflect’’ on the emergency response to the eruption, but it was unclear how any review might be conducted.
Yesterday, a week after the eruption, Cabinet ministers acknowledged the 16 deaths with a minute of silence.
Ardern met Australian foreign minister Marise Payne yesterday afternoon at Parliament, with both expressing their thanks for each other’s support after the eruption.