White Island volcano disaster: owners appeal against criminal conviction

Buttle brothers argue in Auckland court that tour operators to blame for deaths of 22 people, including 14 Australians

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The owners of an island volcano in New Zealand that erupted in 2019 killing 22 people, including 14 Australians, have launched an appeal against their criminal conviction for violating safety laws.

They argue that tour operators - rather than their company - were responsible for the safety of visitors to Whakaari, also known as White Island.