Jacinda Ardern thanks first responders from Whakaari/White Island eruption

Tuesday, 10 December 2019

PM Jacinda Ardern meets White Island emergency staff

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has met with first responders at Whakatane Fire Station on Tuesday following the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

Ardern was seen hugging and shaking hands of those who were first on the scene to help.

She spoke briefly, describing the actions of first responders and helicopter pilots who assisted 'incredibly brave'.

Jacinda Ardern hugs a St Johns member during a meeting with first responders.

'An incredible team,' she stated.

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The PM described the first responders as 'incredibly brave'.

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Ardern shakes hands with White Island first responders at Whakatane Fire Station.

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'What a community that exists here. Firefighters, police, St. John all on the ground and assisting. They have done an incredible job in difficult circumstances.'

In an interview with Sky News Australia this morning, she had more praise.

'All of them risked an incredible amount to do that and I'm sure people want to give them the recognition they deserve,' Ardern said.

'They worked very very quickly to make sure people got the critical care they needed where they needed to and now in the aftermath working through all the information we need to give more information to victims families and also to those who want to provide consular assistance,'