The Whakaari/White Island tragedy left an imprint on the community and its leaders, who on the eve of the one year anniversary remember those who died and those who helped.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa chair Joe Harawira speaks ahead of a memorial event to mark the one year anniversary of the Whakaari tragedy Photo: WHAKATANE BEACON/ Troy Baker
The day of 9 December, 2019, was one of bravery, heroism, survival and heartbreak - and it was Ngāti Awa's privilege and responsibility to care for those who suffered, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa chair Joe Harawira said.
Harawira, Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner and Bay of Plenty District Health Board interim chair Sharon Shea reflected on the Whakaari eruption today ahead of the one-year anniversary of the eruption which led to 22 people's deaths and many more were severely injured.
Harawira said the day was now embedded in the iwi's hearts and minds.
When tragedy struck, they as mana whenua felt responsibility to act, he said, and did what they could to provide comfort alongside the Whakatāne community.
"Many of the people came here far from home, far away from their own families.
"We waited together for news of loved ones, we held hands and wrapped our arms around strangers. An entire community brought to a standstill in the wake of tragedy. To the many people that brought kai, drinks, supplies to manaaki our visitors, we thank you wholeheartedly."
Harawira thanked Café 4 U, which provided meals at no cost.
"Those are the small things that added to the bigger picture of manaaki and aroha of the whole community."
Harawira said the tragedy weighed heavily on Ngāti Awa as kaitiaki of Whakaari and it felt no different to losing a family member.
He acknowledged there would be a long journey back to health for survivors and while physical scars may heal it would take longer for hearts and minds.
Whakatāne Mayor Judy Turner Photo: WHAKATANE BEACON/ Troy Baker
Turner said the tragedy shook the community to its core and it would never be the same again. However, she expressed hope that the one year anniversary would bring some healing and comfort.
"We are eternally grateful for what our first responders and health care professionals did on that day, and what they continue to do.
"Our thoughts are always with those who passed away, those who were injured, their families, and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy."
While she is not in direct contact with any overseas survivors, Turner has formed a strong bond with the mother of tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman, who had more than 10 years' experience guiding visitors around Whakaari before he died in the eruption. Marshall-Inman's body is one of two still unaccounted for.
Turner said she knew his mother before, but through the tragedy they had become close friends.
Shea said adversity, especially that associated with trauma, was a paradox as it could "either make us or break us".
"I know the many staff and people involved in our healthcare system rose to the challenge and delivered a standard of care that is second to none," she said.
"Please know that your expertise, care and compassion is truly appreciated."
