Repercussions
Soon after the accident, the Department of Conservation inspected more than 520 structures, and 65 were closed for repairs.
The review led to the removal of a large number of structures on public land, and many safety notices appeared on the remainder around New Zealand. Indeed, some felt the response was excessive; for instance, bridges and platforms were labelled with signs such as "1 person maximum", acting as an eerie reminder of the disaster which prompted the safety review.
Although DOC took responsibility for the accident, there were no prosecutions due to a loophole in New Zealand law that prevented government departments from being held liable in such a situation. $2.6 million was still paid to the victims' families, however. Since the accident, New Zealand law has been adjusted to ensure that the Building Act covers government departments, and to allow government departments to be held liable for such negligence in future.
Prime Minister Jim Bolger initially attacked the report produced by the Commission of Inquiry, arguing that the platform failed "essentially because it lacked about $20 worth of bolts to hold it together". The Minister of Conservation, Denis Marshall, was criticised in the media for his management of the Department. Many people blamed Marshall, although there was also wide criticism of the whole government's policies on management of the conservation estate. Marshall eventually resigned in May 1996, just over a year after the accident occurred. A new Minister, Nick Smith, was appointed, and a full review of the Department was conducted by the State Services Commission.
A memorial plaque was unveiled in April 1996. The path was re-opened in 1998, but the viewing platform was not rebuilt. In place of the platform are a fence and warning sign.
Read more about this topic: Cave Creek Disaster