It didn't take long for us to learn people were on the island.
The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming.
The heroics of seven people who flew to the volcano in the aftermath of its violent eruption were this week recognised in the 2022 Special Honours List, the New Zealand Bravery Awards.
Mark Law, Kāhu NZ chief executive, was bestowed with the country's second-highest bravery award next to the New Zealand Cross - the New Zealand Bravery Star. Six others were also recognised for their selfless heroism during the chaos of the tragedy.
There were 47 people on the island when it erupted but it was initially deemed too dangerous for air ambulances and rescue helicopters to land.
Law, a commercial helicopter pilot from Whakatāne, was the first rescuer to arrive at the crater at 3.12pm.
The rescuers were forced to wade through shin-deep volcanic ash and acid gas caused great distress to their breathing but still, they worked hard to save as many people as they could.
Others were quick to follow Law's lead and a dozen people were helicoptered off.
The definition of a hero is a person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. It's clear that Law and the others have those qualities.
Law says getting the star is "a little surreal" having never thought about anything like that.
"The biggest realisation was that there were a lot of people in a tremendous disaster. We had to start and say, 'let's get in there and help them out."
I get the impression Law and the others don't see themselves as heroes but as people just doing what anyone else would do.
I'm not sure about that, especially in such devastating conditions.
The world can be a dangerous place. I'm glad there are still people willing to risk their own safety to help others in need.
