Victims of the Whakaari eruption have paid tribute to their tour guides, medical staff and first responders thanking them for their survival.
Videos sent in by some of the survivors of the eruption, and some of the families of those who died, were played at the commemorative service in Whakatāne to mark one year since the Whakaari tragedy.
American couple Ivy and Rick Reed, from Massachusetts, were admitted to Middlemore Hospital burns' unit after being badly injured during the eruption.
In a video message at the official commemoration at Te Mānuka Tutahi, Ivy Reed thanked rescuers and the medical staff, who accompanied the couple to the US when they were repatriated.
The last picture of American couple Rick and Ivy Reed prior to the Whakaari eruption. Photo: Screenshot
She said there were no words to adequately describe the horror of the eruption and they were very grateful to be among the 25 survivors of the eruption.
"Our hearts are broken for the 22 people who lost their lives and we send our heart felt condolences to their families."
She said the decision by a White Island Tours boat - the Phoenix - to turn around and rescue people on the day undoubtedly saved lives.
Reed also thanked hospital staff and first responders and said the couple had received many messages and gifts from New Zealanders.
"We were humbled by this generosity and we thank you for being so thoughtful to two strangers, being critically injured and stranded overseas far from family and friends, to be treated so warmly by the people of New Zealand was heart warming and comforting."
Reed said they hoped to return to New Zealand some day and may be able to reconnect with those who helped them.
Matt and Lauren Urey wanted to thank everyone who helped them survive the day of the eruption. Photo: Screenshot
Matt and Lauren Urey, from Richmond Virginia in the US said although they will never forget the fateful day they are doing their best to move forward.
Lauren Urey said the couple wanted to thank the many people who helped them to survive that day.
"We want to express our gratitude to our fellow tourists on board the Phoenix who went above and beyond to provide us emergency first aid and console us during the trip back to Whakatāne."
The couple also thanked staff at Whakatāne, Middlemore and Christchurch hospitals, as well as medical staff in the US who have helped with their ongoing recovery.
Lauren Urey said they had formed friendships with other survivors from that day.
Nick and Marion London said they are incredibly grateful to those who have helped them. Photo: Screenshot
Australians Nick and Marion London from Sydney also thanked a range of people and organisations including the tour guides on the day for their quick thinking, the crew on board the Phoenix and the medical first responders and the New Zealand and Australian governments.
Nick London said the journey has been long and bumpy.
"People often ask us how we're feeling and we tell them 'we're not great, but we're grateful' and we're grateful for all the people who have helped us along that road."
Liwei Jin speaking from China. Photo: Screenshot
Chinese woman Liwei Jin's words were translated and she said the eruption totally changed her life and she would never forget the medical workers who saved her life.
Emily Cozad, the daughter of Chris Cozad who died following the eruption, said he was an amazing father and role model.
"Our lives will never be the same without you, you made us the people we are today and the four of us will forever be grateful for that, you will never be forgotten as you will always live on in our memories and our hearts."
Meredith Dallow, whose twin brother Gavin Dallow, died in the Whakaari eruption. Photo: Screenshot
Adelaide woman Meredith Dallow's twin brother Gavin Dallow and his daughter Zoe were among the dead - Meredith's sister-in-law Lisa Dallow survived.
"Today, just like every day we have for the last 12 months, we mourn the loss of Gavin along with all our family, and especially today we think of the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives on that day," Meredith Dallow said in her video statement.
A kapa haka group performs before the official ceremony for the first anniversary of the eruption at Whakaari. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
The mother of guide Hayden Marshall-Inman described her son as a beautiful soul and talked about her struggle with grief over the past year.
Marshall-Inman was a guide on the island and his body has never been found.
His mother, Avey Woods told those gathered in the wharenui Whakaari was one of his favourite places and the perfect place for him to be laid to rest.
Woods said her heart went out to all the families of the 21 other loved ones who died that day, while those injured that day had a long road ahead.
She said she was trying to do what her son would have wanted her to.
"He would have told me to pick myself up and get on with life, live life to the fullest as he would, 'make memories' he would say, so I'm taking little steps at a time and it's his strength and his spirit and his inspiration that keeps me going."
