Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Convictions entered against Pike River Coal Ltd

Media release

18 April 2013


Convictions entered against Pike River Coal Ltd (in receivership)

At the Greymouth District Court this afternoon, Judge Jane Farish convicted Pike River Coal Ltd (In Receivership) on all nine charges laid by the former Department of Labour. The Judge indicated sentencing will be on the 4th and 5th of July this year

“These convictions follow a year-long investigation by a team which at times reached 15 members, and reflects the high quality of their work,” Brett Murray, General Manager High Hazards and Specialist Services said.

“The former Department of Labour charged three parties under the Health and Safety in Employment Act over the explosion which killed 29 men in November 2010.”

VLI Drilling Pty Limited (of Australia) was convicted on three charges under the Health and Safety in Employment Act and in October last year, was fined $46,800.

The third case against the former CEO of Pike River Coal Ltd, Peter Whittall has still to be heard.

As there are still legal proceedings underway, the Ministry is unable to make any further comment at this time.

ends


Notes to Editors:

Pike River Coal Ltd (In Receivership) was charged with four offences of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees; four offences of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its contractors, subcontractors and their employees; and one offence of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure that no action or inaction of its employees harmed another person. These failures relate to methane explosion management, strata management, ventilation management, and mitigating the risk and impact of an explosion.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

VLI Drilling Pty Ltd (Australia) was charged with one offence of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of its employees; one offence of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure the safety of contractors, subcontractors and their employees; and one offence of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure that no action or inaction of its employees harmed another person. On 26 October 2012, the company was convicted on the charges and fined $46,800.

Peter Whittall is charged, as an officer of Pike River Coal Limited, with four offences of acquiescing or participating in the failures of Pike River Coal Limited as an employer; four offences of acquiescing or participating in the failures of Pike River Coal Limited as a principal; and four offences of failing to take all practicable steps to ensure that no action or inaction of his as an employee harmed another person. These failures relate to methane explosion management, strata management, ventilation management, and mitigating the risk and impact of an explosion. Mr Whittall has pleaded not guilty to all charges. On 14 March, Mr Whittall made an application to the Court to transfer the hearing to Wellington. Judge Farish reserved her decision and will release her written decision to the parties prior to 22 May.


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.