Kindness and courage the key to
Courage and kindness has been on display as the town of Whakatane mourns one year on from the Whakaari eruption that killed 22 people.
Families of those who lost loved ones, or were injured in the blast, gathered on the beachfront, public reserves and at Mataatua Marae.
Whakaari tour guide Hayden Marshall-inman’smother, Avey Wood, described how she was comforted by a stranger as she cried and yelled Hayden’s name at the beach the day after he was killed.
‘‘I do not know who that lady was,’’ she said. ‘‘I hope she is listening.’’
Governor-general Dame Patsy Reddy used the phrase ‘‘courage and kindness in her speech to the gathered iwi and families.
She said if people going through grief act with both the traits she mentioned, they will find what they need to get through trying times.
Elements of kindness, like that shown to Woods, shined through in the words given at the memorial held at Mataatua Marae.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised the efforts of rescuers, medical staff and Ngati Awa for opening their marae when people needed it.
‘‘You provided food and shelter.
Many have commented on how important that was to them,’’ she said.
Ardern read out a letter from a family member from offshore who lost someone in the eruption.
‘‘I’mso grateful it had to happen in New Zealand where I know their souls will always rest with natural beauty and love,’’ she said.
Ardern closed her short speech saying those that were lost are now forever linked to this place.
‘‘We will continue to hold you close,’’ she said.
Speeches from survivors and families of those killed were read out to the gathered crowd of dignitaries and mourners.
Selflessness and kindness were on display on that terrible day.
From tour boats turning around to assist, helicopter pilots flying in to offer first aid, to tourists shielding the wounded from the harsh sun with their bodies.
Survivor Ivy Reed thanked the captain and passengers aboard the Phoenix which offered assistance.
‘‘We would have been stranded there,’’ she said.
‘‘You were not rescue professionals, just tourists like us. We imagine it was traumatic for you but please know you were our heroes that day.’’
Nick and Marion London praised the effort of surviving tour