Morning Report

Scientific experts including from GNS science are advising police on three aspects of the recovery operation on Whakaari/White Island.

They are the conditions on the island, what people going onto the island will need, and how to care for and transport the bodies when they are recovered.

Brad Scott is a GNS volcanologist.

He speaks to Corin Dann.

A helicopter pilot is being praised as a hero for risking his life to save tourists injured in the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

Mark Law was one of the pilots that took part in a rescue mission after the eruption. He has been commended by the Prime Minister for his actions.

It's thought the number of people killed would have been higher if it hadn't been for the helicopter pilots.

He speaks to Kim Hill.

A sixth person who was rescued from Whakaari/White Island on Monday died late on Tuesday in Middlemore Hospital.

Eight people are still missing and are presumed to have died on the island.

Forty-seven people were on the island when the volcano erupted - 30 are now in hospital and three have been discharged.

The Ministry of Health says of the 30 in hospital, most are in burns units in Christchurch, Hutt Valley, Waikato and Middlemore Hospitals.

Police will try to determine this morning whether it's safe to go back to Whakaari/White Island to retrieve the bodies of those killed in Monday afternoon's volcanic eruption.

Drones carrying specialist measuring equipment to collect and analyse gas levels will be deployed if the wind allows.

Police announced on Tuesday a criminal investigation into the disaster would be launched but later changed tack and said they were investigating on behalf of the Coroner.

Their inquiries will be done in parallel with a WorkSafe investigation.

Police Minister Stuart Nash speaks to Corin Dann.

The Black Caps coach Gary Stead says their main challenge ahead of the first Test in Perth is Australia and not the wicket.

News from the business sector, including a market report.

The fires service say a fire that has been burning on Māngere Mountain overnight is according to the fire service now under control.

The fire started at just before 2am on Wednesday.

RNZ reporter Gill Bonnett is there.

A decision will be made this morning if it's safe to go back to retrieve the eight still on Whakaari/White Island.

With more about what's expected to happen on Wednesday, here's Corin Dann speaks to RNZ reporter Andrew McRae, who is in Whakatāne.

The mayor of Whakatāne wants tourist trips to Whakaari/White Island to continue despite the eruption which is believed to have killed 14 people.

While Judy Turner is defiant in the face of the volcano, locals are less sure about whether people should be allowed on the island.

Ben Strang reports.

News from the rural and farming sector.

A brief update from the business sector.