Our thoughts go out to the victims and families as White Island tragedy details unfold.

Like many others I was not really aware visitors/tourists/day trippers could go there, particularly having regard to the history of the volcano.

I assume an operator's consent would have been required. The operator takes all profits and duty of care risks needing to adhere strictly to consent conditions, rules and regulations.

It is not for the Government, taxpayers or local authorities to foot the bill.

This is not an adventure trip it is a risk-prone junket costing $229 per person.

After fire and brimstone knee jerking, Ms Ardern and the Police back peddled, taking a more charitable view of the mess - I wonder why?

American and Australian lawyers may not be so altruistic if any negligence or unlawfulness in the disaster is uncovered. After due diligence by Worksafe NZ, if nothing else comes out of this disaster, tourists and day-trippers should not be allowed on the island again.

With appropriate authorisation volcanologists, meteorologists and Government officials must of course continue monitoring volcanic activity otherwise stay away.

R Paterson, Mt Maunganui (abridged).