Bay Of Plenty

A human skull has been found on a beach near Tauranga.

Deputy Police Commissioner Wally Haumaha says while police will make a decision regarding the timing of recovery efforts, Ngāti Awa will lead the process itself. Video

A professor of tourism says going forward, New Zealand needs to be much clearer with tourists about the potential risks they face during certain activities. Audio

Whakatāne locals say the community has been hit hard by the tragedy at Whakaari / White Island - many have a personal connection to people involved

The geological processes that created New Zealand's stunning mountain landscape and rugged terrain are also responsible for its volcanic activity.

Scientists say another eruption of Whakaari / White Island is still likely - meaning a mission to retrieve bodies on the island can't go ahead.

A doctor who landed on the island in the aftermath of Monday's eruption says there was a strong smell of sulphur in the air, a thick yellow stain running out to sea and thick smoke. Audio

The mayor of Whakatāne wants tourist trips to Whakaari / White Island to continue, despite the eruption which has killed six people, but locals aren't convinced that tourists should return. Audio

Questions remain over who had the power to stop tour companies visiting Whakaari / White Island after the volcanic alert level was raised in recent weeks.

The police have confirmed another person has died following the eruption on Whakaari / White Island, bringing the official death toll to six.

The family of an Adelaide mother reported missing in the wake of the NZ volcanic eruption is in hospital with severe burns, her family says - but there is still no word on her husband and daughter.

A tour guide has been called a hero for dragging more than 20 people off Whakaari / White Island in suffocating conditions.