New Zealand's Deadly Tourist Attraction: Inside the Volcano Trial (with Emily Clark)
- Aug 11, 2026
- 25:08
- Full Episode
In 2019, a volcano erupted off the coast of New Zealand - killing 22 tourists who were on it at the time. Four years later, a criminal trial began - where prosecutors claimed that several individuals and companies had violated workplace safety laws, and had “used an active volcano to make money.” Phoebe interviews Emily Clark from the Australian Broadcasting Company about the trial and what happened next.
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Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:50 "It's not that kind of volcano" 1:50 How three brothers came to own a volcanic island 3:46 How dangerous was it? 7:50 The explosion and its aftermath 11:13 Criminal charges 15:30 The trial 20:55 A coroner's inquest
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Brief Summary
Emily Clark discusses the 2019 Whakaari eruption, its aftermath, and the legal consequences for those involved.
Key points
- The 2019 Eruption of Whakaari. A volcano off New Zealand erupted, resulting in 22 fatalities among tourists.
- Legal Consequences. Thirteen parties faced criminal charges related to the eruption, highlighting safety concerns.
- Survivors' Testimonies. Survivors shared harrowing experiences of the eruption and its aftermath during the trial.
- Whakaari's Ongoing Closure. The island remains closed to tourists due to its active status and ongoing inquiries.
- Impact on New Zealand Tourism. The eruption has led to changes in safety protocols and a need for reputational recovery in tourism.
Episode highlights
- The 2019 Eruption of WhakaariA volcano off New Zealand erupted, resulting in 22 fatalities among tourists.0:20Aug 11, 2026
- Legal ConsequencesThirteen parties faced criminal charges related to the eruption, highlighting safety concerns.11:14Aug 11, 2026
- Survivors' TestimoniesSurvivors shared harrowing experiences of the eruption and its aftermath during the trial.15:45Aug 11, 2026
- Whakaari's Ongoing ClosureThe island remains closed to tourists due to its active status and ongoing inquiries.“I would be very surprised if that was to happen.”23:18Aug 11, 2026
- Impact on New Zealand TourismThe eruption has led to changes in safety protocols and a need for reputational recovery in tourism.“There was a sense that... some reputational work to be done.”24:15Aug 11, 2026
