Police have launched a criminal investigation in the aftermath of the Whakaari White Island eruption.
There were 47 people on the island when it erupted at 2.11pm on Monday, in tours hosted by White Island Tours.
Five people have been confirmed dead, another eight are still on the island. Those people are presumed dead but their bodies have yet to be recovered, as conditions on Whakaari White Island are not deemed to be safe enough for people to head back yet.
Along with Monday's deaths there are dozens of injuries. Thirty-one people were rushed to hospital, many of whom suffered significant burns.
Those injured are aged 13 to 72, and 27 of them have burns to more than 30 percent of their body. Burns units around New Zealand are now at capacity.
On Tuesday afternoon police announced they will be investigating the deaths and injuries from the disaster, and WorkSafe will also be investigating, as the regulator of the Adventure Activities Regulations.
The Whakatāne District Mayor Judy Turner is still backing tours to the island. She says she personally has been a visitor with White Island Tours and has always been impressed by the health and safety.
Many of those on the island on Monday were tourists from a visiting cruise ship and had been on a day trip to the island.
Royal Carribean says that ship will now remain in Port due to that police investigation.
And while attention will now be shifting to that investigation, many are still recalling the heroic acts that meant more lives were not lost.
First responders have described horrific scenes and controlled chaos as they helped those injured out of boats.
RNZ reporter Jessie Chiang and visual journalist Dom Thomas are in Whakatāne.
