Pilot describes chaos during Whakaari eruption aftermath

Monday 10 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Mon 10 Nov 2025, 8:48pm

A helicopter pilot who was the first civilian to land on Whakaari/White Island after the 2019 eruption has described the chaotic scenes. Speaking at a coroner's inquiry, the pilot detailed tending to survivors while the volcano posed a further threat of eruption.

How they headlined it

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1. Stuff via RNZMon 10 Nov 2025, 7:17pm

   Pilot reveals chaos amid Whakaari eruption aftermath (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldMon 10 Nov 2025, 8:05pm

   Helicopter pilot reveals chaos amid Whakaari eruption aftermath (opens in new tab)

3. Otago Daily TimesMon 10 Nov 2025, 8:48pm

   Pilot talks of chaos on island after eruption (opens in new tab)