The world is praising Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her "measured" and "calm" response to the Whakaari / White Island eruption.
She got the response after meeting emergency services personnel in Whakatane who responded to the explosion.
Following the conversations with first responders, Ardern spoke to media and praised the efforts of emergency service personnel.
"They have done an incredible job under devastating circumstances," she said
"What a calamity that exists here in Whakatane, and everyone from coastguards, firefighters, St John, the police, all [those] down on the ground making themselves available to assist."
Ardern's response prompted people to applaud her on social media.
One user said: "Can we swap? We've had terrible bush fires here and our PM is mostly missing in action."
A second Australian also wanted Ardern for their own to look after the country, and even invited Prime Minister Scott Morrison to "take a holiday".
One woman commented "what a class act" Ardern was.
"Her compassionate speech in regard to the volcanic eruption on White Island is something we in Australia would never experience under our cold hard-hearted government," she said.
A user from the United Kingdom said they "really wish" they had a Prime Minister like Ardern because she is "such a good role model".
Many victims are tourists and come from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Germany and Malaysia. New Zealanders are also among the missing and injured.
Forty-seven people visited Whakaari / White Island on Monday, the day it erupted. Of these, five are confirmed dead, 31 are in hospital, three have been discharged and eight are missing.
