Bay of Plenty tourism representatives are rallying together to support the industry and those affected following the eruption on Whakaari/White Island on Monday afternoon.

Tourism Bay of Plenty, Whakatāne District Council, White Island Tours Limited, and local iwi Ngāti Awa, wish to collectively express their condolences to those who have passed away and their families.

Tourism Bay of Plenty Chief Executive Kristin Dunne says the group met soon after the incident occurred and agreed the priority was to ensure the appropriate support services are in place for those directly affected by the natural disaster.

“We continue to work with all of the relevant stakeholders to provide the support and the information required, and will continue to do so for as long as we need,” says Ms Dunne.

Ms Dunne says the tragedy has stirred many emotions for people working within the tourism industry across the region and the country.

“Our industry and community have been significantly impacted by this event but as we’ve experienced through other natural disasters, our people are resilient and we will work together to get through this,” she says.

“We stand with the tourism industry and the people of Whakatāne, and our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been impacted.”

Whakatāne District Council Manager of Tourism and Events Nicola Burgess says many local operators in the area are closely connected to people affected by the tragedy, and the outpouring of support from the community has been incredibly heart-warming.

“Whakatāne is known for its warm welcome and this has truly come to the fore over the past few days as we embrace those who are grieving,” says Mrs Burgess.

“This was a natural disaster and a terrible tragedy. Whakaari is an active volcano and people have been visiting the island for over 30 years. White Island Tours have strict protocols including robust health and safety measures.

“We stand in solidarity with White Island Tours as we navigate through the coming weeks.”

Chair of White Island Tours Limited Paul Quinn says recovery of loved ones who are still on the island is of paramount concern and all of their resources including vessels, protection equipment and personnel have been made available to NZ Police and Civil Defence to support the recovery mission.

“Our responsibility is to provide care for our people and visitors during this difficult time. We are focussed on wrapping the necessary support around affected families and staff, all of whom are understandably distraught.”

Mr Quinn says local liaisons are being appointed to support overseas families who are arriving in Whakatāne. Support packages are being put together today including practical and useful items for those families as they await news and updates on the recovery mission.

“We would like to acknowledge the numerous offers of support from our community and also wider iwi from across the country. Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou katoa.”

See the latest Whakaari / White Island event response updates »