Why were tourists allowed on Whakaari/White Island at all?

The fatal eruption on Whakaari on Monday may force the tourism industry to review its current rules, writes tourism professor Michael Lueck.  The official death toll is six and eight people are still missing, presumed to have died, in Monday’s volcanic eruption at Whakaari/White Island. The people on the island were tourists and tour guides, … Read more

The Bulletin: How Whakaari/White Island eruption will be investigated

Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: How the Whakaari eruption will be investigated, Greens ditch Budget Responsibility Rules, and more controversy for Crimson Education. There has been a lot of confusion about what investigations will take place after the Whakaari eruption, and what they will focus on. As such, today’s Bulletin will … Read more

Whakaari/White Island, 24 hours on

Twenty-four hours after the eruption on Whakaari/White Island, here’s what we know about the ongoing situation. How many people have died? Currently, the official death toll stands at five, but there are a further eight people missing, who are presumed to have died in the eruption. 31 people remain in hospital and three have been … Read more

The Bulletin: Horror toll from Whakaari/White Island eruption

A view of the Whakaari eruption from a boat just off the island

Welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Death toll from Whakaari eruption likely to rise, cabinet agrees Auckland port must move, and expensive Christchurch stadium details released. UPDATE – 7.07am: More information on the number of people on the island at the time of the eruption has been released. 47 people were there at the … Read more

Whakaari/White Island: The science of the eruption, and why there was no warning

We don’t normally see these eruptions coming, no matter how much we would like to. Many systems are already ‘primed’ for such events, but the triggers are poorly understood, writes Shane Cronin of the University of Auckland. As of Monday night five people have been confirmed dead, 18 had been rescued and injured, some seriously, … Read more

Whakaari/White Island eruption: What you need to know

Five people are dead, a number unaccounted for and up to 20 injured, some critically, after a volcano erupted in the Bay of Plenty this afternoon. Update 9.16pm: Police have confirmed that five people are dead following this afternoon’s Whakaari/White Island eruption. Deputy commissioner John Tims said it was too early to confirm nationalities but … Read more