White Island Tours faces potential closure after being fined over half a million dollars for its role in the island's disaster.
They're likely to only see half of that.
The reparations pot is only $5.3 million.
They spoke of the pain they have suffered after losing loved ones in the disaster.
The judge said on Wednesday that any reparation would depend on available funds - information released next month.
Most of the cost went on external legal fees - nearly $12.5 million.
The trial started in July.
It comes after the owners also had their charges dismissed.
An inquiry "might provide some answers to the victims of this horrible tragedy", James Cairney says.