A Northland school board has been charged over a teenager's death on a caving excursion last year.
Fifteen-year-old Karnin Petera died on a school trip to Abbey Caves on May 9, 2023, after his group got into trouble when severe weather set in.
Now, WorkSafe New Zealand has charged the Whangārei Boys' High School Board of Trustees over the death under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
"We acknowledge the profound impact of this tragedy on whānau, friends, and the wider community. A year on, our sympathy and thoughts are with all of those who knew and loved Karnin," WorkSafe's head of inspectorate Rob Pope said in a statement on Monday.
The Abbey Caves are about a 10-minute drive from central Whangārei and are a popular spot for walking and recreation, featuring three significant caves - Organ, Middle, and Ivy.
The District Council information page suggests checking the weather forecast, noting that the caves can be 'prone to flash flooding'.
However, following the tragedy, many in the school community questioned why the trip went ahead despite weather warnings in place.
Following an extensive WorkSafe investigation, which pieced together the circumstances of the tragedy, charges have been filed in the Whangārei District Court.
"We encourage school boards of trustees across the country to reflect on their own systems and processes to ensure they are meeting legal requirements for education outside the classroom," Pope said.
"Students should be able to participate safely, and parents must have confidence their rangatahi will be kept safe."
Newshub has contacted the Whangārei Boys High School Board of Trustees for comment.
