December 11, 2019
Ngati Awa waiting for word on Whakaari recovery
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Police Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha says there's no question Ngāti Awa should be front and centre in the recovery of bodies from Whakaari-White Island and support for the victims of Monday's eruption.
He's following the approach taken after the Christchurch mosque shootings, where Ngāi Tahu played a critical role in supporting the victims and their families.
The iwi and emergency services are waiting to hear from GNS vulcanologists when it would be safe to return to the island, where activity has risen by 40 to 60 percent since the eruption.
"I met with about 100 of our whānau at the marae here in Whakatāne asking our people to understand the safety issues and they did and they were well aware that everything that is being done is being done to expedite the recovery and return of those bodies to their families," Mr Haumaha says.
Overnight two further victims of the eruption have died in hospital, one in Middlemore and one in Waikato hospital.
Police Minister Stuart Nash attended a karakia for the victims at Mataatua Marae this morning.
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