Meanwhile Whakatāne fishing and tour operators are losing thousands of dollars a day due to restrictions put in place following the Whakaari White Island eruption.
As they head in what is usually their peak season, they're anxiously waiting to hear more details about the relief package being offered to small businesses in the New Year.
And while all support and respect the rahui that's in place, some a questioning whether the it needs to cover such a large area.
Anusha Bradley is in Whakatāne and filed this report.
