Kindness and courage the key to overcoming eruption aftermath
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
guides Jake Milibank and Kelsey Waghorn.
‘‘Your quick thinking gave us a chance of survival,’’ they said.
Liwei Jin showed her badly burned hands in her message. ‘‘Thanks to the heroes and the medical workers that I’mstill alive,’’ she said.
‘‘I will never forget it. I’ll stay positive in a bright mind and go through it.’’
All around Whakatane tributes
were being left around as the town came together in mourning.
Floral wreaths were dropped into the sea. Flowers were left on tour boats that carried victims. Drinks were raised in toasts at the foreshore in memory of one lost or to simply commemorate the day.
Unfortunately, no manner of kindness can bring back those lost in the eruption and many were moved to tears at the words shared by family members of the deceased.
Emily Cozad lost her father in the eruption.
‘‘I will never forget the last time I heard your voice when you told me you were okay,’’ she said. ‘‘Even in the unimaginable state you were in you did everything you could to reassure me. There
isn’t a single night where I don’t close my eyes and see your face looking back at me.’’
Lisa Dallow lost her 15-year-old daughter Zoe Hosking.
‘‘On this day our life ended,’’ she said. ‘‘You have gone home. Thanks for sharing those wonderful 15 years of your life. We did not get an opportunity to say goodbye. I miss you every day.’’
Mayor Judy Turner said while Whakatane will never be the same she hopes the event has brought some healing and comfort to all affected.
The ceremony ended with a wreath laid at the marae by Ardern.