Maori leader says volcano tragedy a "sad time" for NZ

A local Maori community leader has called Monday's (December 9) White Island volcano eruption a "sad" time for New Zealand.

Pouroto Ngaropo said he had performed a rahui, a traditional Maori ritual, that would, quote, "protect the spirituality of those who are dead."

And added that Whakaari, the Maori name for the volcano, is a spiritual being as well as a physical one.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, POUROTO NGAROPO, SAYING:

"Whakaari exploded. And those that were unfortunately here at the time, they were hurt, compromised. Some died. And it's a really, sad, sad time, for all of us, across the world. We acknowledge all of the support that's coming from overseas, from everywhere.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, POUROTO NGAROPO, SAYING:

"Whakaari is not only a living, breathing being, ancestor, but to others, she is also an icon. I mean, this is the tourist icon, this is the doorway to the tourism of the Bay of Plenty here too. You know, so there's the tourism part of Whakaari, there's also the education part, the cultural experience as well. And the bringing together of people, which is the one that I really love. The bringing together of people through knowing her history and her story."

At least six people have died from the disaster.

Eight were still missing on Tuesday (December 10).

Search parties have been unable to set foot on the volcano for safety reasons.

Police said 47 people were on White Island at the time of the eruption.