14 September 2026
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The second phase of the Whakaari/White Island (Whakaari) Eruption Coronial Inquiry is underway, continuing one of the most significant coronial inquiries undertaken in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Inquiry relates to the eruption of Whakaari on 9 December 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people and significant injuries to 25 others.
As the hearing resumes, the inquiry continues work arising from an event that resulted in significant loss of life and life-changing injuries, and continues to be felt by bereaved families, survivors and all those affected by the eruption.
The coronial process resumed in June 2024 following criminal proceedings following the eruption. The inquest has been divided into two phases.
Phase One, heard over the course of eight weeks in 2025, focused on the events of 9 December 2019 and their aftermath, including the emergency response, the circumstances of those who remained on Whakaari following the eruption, medical treatment, and the timing, location and causes of the deaths.
Phase Two turns to the circumstances preceding the eruption. Its scope includes:
WW’s Joshua Shaw and Christina Twyman are Counsel Assisting Coroner Marcus Elliott, assisted in this role by Leticia Glover. WW’s Emma Pairman is also assisting Christopher Merrick, who is also Counsel Assisting the Coroner, with a specific focus on assisting bereaved families and survivors through the Inquiry.
A coronial inquiry is an inquisitorial process. Its purpose is to establish the causes and circumstances of a death and, where appropriate, make comments or recommendations that may help prevent deaths in similar circumstances in the future. It does not determine criminal, civil or disciplinary liability.
The hearing is expected to take six weeks. Further information about the Inquiry, including official updates and relevant documents, is available from the Coroners Court of New Zealand here: https://coronerscourt.govt.nz/whakaari-white-island-eruption-coronial-inquiry/
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