New Zealand Police have confirmed the deaths of four more Australians in the White Island volcano eruption, as authorities regroup to consider how to recover two bodies believed to be remaining on the island.
Police said Monday morning Jessica Richards, 20, Jason Griffiths, 33, Martin Hollander, 48, and Kristine Langford, 45, had been formally identified as having died in the disaster.
A recovery team retrieved six bodies from Whakaari/White Island on Friday, but were unable to retrieve a further two bodies.
Two four-person recovery teams returned to the island on Sunday and searched a location thought to be the most likely place where one of the bodies might be, however no bodies were found.
A New Zealand Police spokeswoman told the ABC that the team was debriefing and planning their next possible move today. Reports from New Zealand have said aerial surveys are resuming to scour the island again.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern posted on Instagram to mark the one-week anniversary of the volcano eruption, saying that those who died were "forever linked" to her country.
"A week ago New Zealand experienced the most extraordinary tragedy," she wrote.
"Lives were lost immediately, and in the days that have followed others have succumbed to their injuries.
"I want to pay tribute to the many people who did extraordinary things to save lives — whether it was through rescue efforts or the ongoing response by health professionals across the country."
She commended the recovery team that travelled to the island despite serious risks that the volcano could erupt again, plus emergency management teams, councils and the local community.
"To Ngāti Awa, for the outpouring of manaakitanga and support to all that have needed a safe haven during this time. Those who have been lost are now forever linked to New Zealand, and we will hold them close."
The post included a picture of Whakatane through an airplane window that she took herself.
Teams face threat of 200C gas blasts
GeoNet — New Zealand's geological hazard information authority — released a statement on Sunday night saying that the volcano remained highly volatile and that the at least one vent was active, with a high rate of gas that is at least 200 degrees Celsius being released.
The statement added that the gas is "dominated by sulphur dioxide," which comes from shallow magma (or molten rock).
Ash and other fallout from the eruption has made the sea near the island toxic and divers have to be washed clean after every completed dive.
Soon after the identities of the four additional victims were confirmed, two families released statements expressing their heartbreak and sorrow at their loses.
On behalf of the Langford family, the statement read: "Anthony and Kristine, loving parents to Jesse and Winona, were a wonderful couple and devoted to both their immediate and extended families. They will be greatly missed by all who knew them".
"Winona is currently unaccounted for and Jesse is recovering in hospital, receiving excellent care."
The family of Karla Matthews also released a statement, saying that they were "absolutely heartbroken".
"We have an enormous sense of relief that she has finally been found and we patiently wait with the Elzer family for news of Karla's partner Rick so we are able to bring them home together."
"We would like to take this moment to express our deep gratitude to both the New Zealand and Australian governments for everything they have done for our family this past week. We would like to especially thank the New Zealand Police for their unwavering efforts towards reuniting all families with their lost loved ones."
Both families said they would make no further comment and asked for privacy.
A minute's silence for the victims will be held at 2:11pm (local time) today.
Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne is visiting New Zealand to convey Australia's sincere condolences and gratitude for the efforts of all involved in the response to the disaster.
