An aerial view of Whaakari / White Island after the deadly eruption. Photo: SuppliedThe creation of a specialist emergency services "volcanic response crew" was discussed in the years leading up to the Whakaari / White Island tragedy. Inspector Nic Brown, Acting Director Capability, Frontline Capacity, said "based on current inquiries, the suggestion of a volcanic response crew did not gain momentum past" a proposal made in 2013. Brown said that eruption response plans had been developed specifically for White Island by Eastern Bay of Plenty police and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management. Brown also revealed that on "several occasions" a desktop exercise simulating a rescue from White Island had been proposed.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 15, 2021 22:07 UTC