As the Weekly went to print, the list of casualties was yet to be confirmed, but the magnitude of this week’s disaster at Whakaari/White Island was difficult to bear.
Coming just two weeks before Christmas, the eruption stole precious lives, critically wounded dozens, and broke the hearts of Kiwis – and indeed, the world, with so many international visitors caught up in the tragedy.
The morning after the disaster, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern flew to meet with those affected, including people lying injured at Whakatane Hospital, and brave first responders.
At the Whakatane Fire Station, she spoke to some of the helicopter pilots, firefighters and ambulance staff who fought to save lives. Later that day, back in Wellington, she addressed Parliament, offering her condolences to the victims and commending the…