Australia's Foreign Minister has given a heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in the aftermath of the White Island tragedy.
Marise Payne addressed media in Auckland on Tuesday, at one point coming close to tears as she expressed her condolences for victims of the eruption.
"I am here in New Zealand first and foremost to say thank you," Payne said.
"Thank you to New Zealand Government, to the many first responders, to the extraordinary medical staff who have gone above and beyond in caring for the victims and have provided extraordinary support to their families in the face of this enormous tragedy that has happened one week and one day ago today.
"From what I have heard there is no doubt in my mind that the quick action by all of these people as well as those extraordinarily courageous members of the community who responded has indeed saved lives."
Payne said she had met with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters over the last two days to discuss the disaster. She had also visited several hospitals around the country.
She said the victims had received "superlative care" in New Zealand.
"The health system in New Zealand, the burns system in particular, has surged above and beyond what anyone could have ever logically expected - they have gone so far beyond in their support and their care, their compassion, their professionalism...they are exhausted, of course they are."
The effort to care for the victims had been "truly an ANZ effort", she said.
"We've pulled together, we've worked together at this time of enormous tragedy.
"Every single person I've spoken to has used the word seamless. And in time of crisis, in a time of tragedy then that says a great deal."
She said Australia would continue to offer support to New Zealand when and where necessary.
At one point as Payne expressed her condolences for the victims, she came close to tears.
"I don't think any one of us can begin to imagine what those families are facing in the coming weeks and months. Here in places like Auckland and Sydney, we're surrounded by Christmas and celebration but they face tragedy and devastation. Our hearts and thoughts are with them every step of the way."
