Focus: “It’s not over yet” - 6 bodies recovered from White Island, 2 still missing.
The brother of a White Island tour guide who died on Whakaari/White Island during the eruption has said it feels "fantastic" to have the recovery mission under way.
Police confirmed that six bodies have been successfully recovered from White Island and are now on board HMNZS Wellington.
Mark Inman, HaydenMarshall-Inman's brother, said it was a relief the operation was happening.
During the operation, Hayden Marshall-Inman's brother, Mark Inman said in a press conference that it's a relief the operation is happening. Photo / Will Trafford
"It's going to allow us to grieve and send our loved ones off in the manner they deserve," he said.
"As a cultural thing, that's amazing. As a nation, we are blessed. The Australians on the boat with us, they felt it. They were inclusive. It was just incredible. I'm proud to be a Kiwi.
"There was a lot of emotion. It was very spiritual."
Inman said the way they were greeted when they returned from the island, with Ngāti Awa singing waiata, was "truly special" and that the visitors appreciated the welcome.
Mourning families and friends returning from White Island. Photo / Ben Fraser
"[The tourists] got to share their side and culture as well. But they also expressed to the people on the boat how welcoming and humbled to be part of it all, which is truly a proud moment for New Zealand."
He added that the families are "100 per cent" with how the rescue mission is being handled.
"We're making progress and moving forward and that's all we want. We just want our loved ones back, so it's fantastic."
