Whangārei Boys’ High School has been ordered to pay more than half a million dollars in reparations following the tragic death of 15-year-old Karnin Ahorangi Petera during a school caving trip to Abbey Caves in May 2023.
The school faced two charges from WorkSafe for putting people at risk of serious injury or death.
Karnin died after being swept away by a powerful current inside the flooded caves. Sixteen other students and two adults on the trip managed to escape. The school board was spared a $300,000 fine due to financial constraints and concerns that such a penalty could negatively affect student education, including for survivors of the tragedy.
During the sentencing in Whangārei District Court, Karnin’s parents, Andre Petera and Alicia Toki, delivered emotional victim impact statements. They expressed their devastation and anger towards the school, which they believe ignored their concerns about the heavy rain on the day of the trip.
The parents detailed the ongoing emotional, physical, and financial toll the tragedy has taken on their lives, including health issues and job loss.
They also honoured their son’s vibrant personality, describing him as an energetic and talented youth who loved the outdoors, te reo Māori, and water-based activities. The family was supported by over 60 people in the courtroom, including family, friends, and school officials.
The court heard additional heartbreaking statements from other victims and families, many of whom continue to suffer from survivor’s guilt, psychological trauma, and frustration over the school’s handling of safety procedures.
Although the school admitted its failings and expressed deep sorrow, Karnin’s family and others called for stricter health and safety guidelines in outdoor education, saying that while they support such programmes, changes are needed to prevent future tragedies. Details on how the reparations will be divided among the victims have been suppressed.
