Work has continued overnight to respond to the eruption on White Island.
Enquiries with tour operators indicate that 47 people were on White Island at the time of the eruption.
Police can now advise that in addition to the five people confirmed deceased, eight people remain unaccounted for following the eruption.
Casualties have been moved to hospitals around the country for specialist care.
Thirty-one patients are currently being treated at seven hospitals.
Three patients have been treated and discharged from Whakatane Hospital.
/NZ Police Public Release. View in full here.
