Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard
WEDNESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2020
The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.
Prayers.
MOTIONS
Whakaari / White Island—Eruption Anniversary
Hon NANAIA MAHUTA (Minister of Foreign Affairs):
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I move, That the House remember those who passed away, those who were injured, their whānau, and everyone affected by the Whakaari / White Island eruption a year ago today.
A year has passed since this dark day and we continue to share aroha with all those impacted. Just after 2 p.m. on 9 December 2019—one year ago—Whakaari / White Island erupted. In the hours and days that followed, the enormity of the tragedy became apparent. Forty-seven people were on the island when it erupted, 22 lives were lost, and survivors were severely injured.
The impacts of this eruption were felt far beyond our shores. Many of those on the islands were visitors from Australia, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and Malaysia. Today we send our aroha, our love; our manaakitanga, our support to the survivors overseas, their families, and those who lost loved ones. We also remember Tipene Maangi and Hayden Marshall-Inman, and stand together with all New Zealanders impacted by this terrible event.
I want to acknowledge all those involved in the response and recovery efforts, including first responders, health professionals, central and local government, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, private businesses, district health boards, the Defence Force, and scientists. This was an extraordinarily challenging event. You worked tirelessly to provide support to those affected. Our thoughts are with you also, as I ask this House to stand together with all New Zealanders impacted by this terrible event.
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SPEAKER: The question is that the motion be agreed to.
