Tourism is the lifeblood of Whakante which trades off the volcano's name. But after the tragic death of tourists on White Island, locals fear what could change
"Anyone who doesn't understand that it's a risk must really be away with the fairies. You're going into the caldera of an active volcano. You're given a hard hat, a gas mask, and at times the sulphur can be overwhelming," she says.International tourists now contribute $NZ17.2 billion a year to the economy – $NZ47 million per day.Loading
Local Maori tribe, Ngati Awa, settled its Treaty of Waitangi claim with the Crown in 2003 and received $NZ42.39 million in reparations, giving it a fund to make commercial investments.The licence gives the holder the ability to control access to the island and involves payment to the island's owners, the Buttle family. The annual revenue generated by White Island Tours for Ngati Awa Group Holdings is now about $NZ4.5 million.But not all in the community believe White Island can reopen.
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