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Courage and kindness have been shown as the city of Whakatāne mourns a year after the Whakaari eruption that killed 22 people.
The families of those who lost loved ones or were injured in the blast gathered on the beach, in public reserves and in Mataatua Marae.
Whakaari Hayden Marshall-Inman’s tour guide’s mother, Avey Wood, described how a stranger comforted her as she cried and called out Hayden’s name on the beach the day after her death.
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“I don’t know who that lady was,” he said. “I hope you are listening.”
Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy used the phrase “courage and kindness” in her address to the iwi and their reunited families.
He said that if people who grieve act with both traits he mentioned, they will find what they need to get through tough times.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
Police and others who dealt with the aftermath of the eruption gathered at Whakatāne, organized by Te Rūnanga of Ngāti Awa (Ngāti Awa), for the first anniversary of Whakaari White Island.
Elements of kindness, such as the one shown to Woods, were highlighted in speeches delivered at the memorial held in Mataatua Marae.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised the efforts of rescuers, medical staff and Ngāti Awa for opening their marae when people needed it.
“You provided food and shelter. Many have commented on how important it was to them, ”he said.
Ardern read a letter from a relative abroad who lost someone in the eruption.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
People gather on the beach near Whakatāne Heads as wreaths are placed in the water to mark the anniversary of the Whakaari eruption.
“I am so thankful that it had to happen in New Zealand, where I know their souls will always rest with natural beauty and love,” she said.
Ardern closed his short speech by saying that those who were lost were now forever linked to the place.
“We will continue to hold you tight,” he said.
The speeches of the survivors and the families of the dead were read before the assembled crowd of dignitaries and mourners.
Christel Yardley / Stuff
Dame Patsy Reddy, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and MP Kiri Allan commemorate the Whakaari / White Island tragedy in Whakatāne.
Selflessness and kindness were on display on that terrible day.
From tour boats turning to help, to helicopter pilots flying to provide first aid to tourists protecting the injured from the sun with their bodies.
Survivor Ivy Reed thanked the captain and passengers aboard the Phoenix who offered help.
“We would have been stranded there,” he said.
“They were not rescue professionals, just tourists like us. We imagine it was traumatic for you, but please know that you were our heroes that day. ”
Nick and Marion London praised the efforts of surviving tour guides Jake Milibank and Kelsey Waghorn.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
Crowns were put in the water after a minute of silence.
“Your quick thinking gave us a chance to survive,” they said.
Liwei Jin showed her badly burned hands in her message. “Thanks to the heroes and the medical workers that I’m still alive,” she said. “I will never forget it. I will stay positive in a bright mind and get through it.”
Around Whakatāne, tributes were left as the city united in mourning.
Wreaths of flowers were thrown into the sea. Flowers left in tourist boats carrying victims. Drinks were raised in toasts on the beach in memory of a lost one or simply to commemorate the day.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
Wreaths of flowers were placed in the water near Whakatāne Heads to mark the lives lost in the eruption.
Unfortunately, no form of kindness was able to bring back the lost in the eruption and many were moved to tears by the words shared by the relatives of the deceased.
Emily Cozad lost her father in the eruption.
“I will never forget the last time I heard your voice when you told me you were okay,” he said. “Even in the unimaginable state you were in, you did everything you could to reassure me. There isn’t a single night that I don’t close my eyes and see your face looking at me. ”
Lisa Dallow lost her 15-year-old daughter, Zoe Hosking.
CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
A solitary pipe was one of those that paid tribute to the victims of the eruption.
“On this day our life ended,” he said. “You have gone home. Thank you for sharing those wonderful 15 years of your life. We didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. I miss you every day.”
Mayor Judy Turner said that while Whakatāne would never be the same again, she hoped the anniversary event would have brought some healing and comfort to all those affected.
The ceremony ended with a wreath placed on the marae by Ardern.
