The white island is a private island. (SBS news station picture)
One of the owners of White Island is on the island`s Photo. ).
Whakaari/White Island, the deadly volcanic eruption island on New Zealand`s North Island this week, is a private island that was acquired by a New Zealand stockbroker in the 1930s.
White Island, New Zealand, is a scenic reserve that tourists often visit, but it has been owned by the same family for nearly a century, SBS News reported.
The island has been owned by the Bartel family (Buttle) since it was bought by Oakland stockbroker Bartel in 1936.
New Zealand police deputy director Tim (John Tims) confirmed on Tuesday that a criminal investigation would be launched to find out if anyone was implicated in the death or injury caused by the volcanic eruption.
So far, six people have been identified as death and eight others have been unaccounted for.
In 1953, Mr. Bartel rejected the New Zealand government`s offer to buy the White Island, and instead reached an agreement to make it a private landscape protection zone.
The island is still owned by the Bartels family and ownership was transferred to Whakaari Trustee in 2012, Peter Bartel, James Bartel and Andrew Bartel as shareholders.
Its latest market valuation was A $72000 in 1998, according to stuff.co.nz.
Bartel has not yet issued a statement on the situation, but confirmed to the New Zealand media that he will eventually make a public statement.
The Baidao travel website has been shut down, and the landing page says "We are currently experiencing an emergency" and lists contact information. (pictures of SBS News)
White Island Travel said in a press release on Monday that it was deeply saddened by the volcanic eruption.
"destruction is an understatement. It`s a terrible tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected," said Paul Quinn, chairman of the White Island Travel Service.
According to the New Zealand Travel Guide, the owner of the White Island Travel Service is designated as the official guardian of the island and is accessible only through the designated travel agency.
