The third anniversary of the Whakaari/White Island eruption has seen affected families from across the world gather for the first time.
From as near as Australia and as far as Canada, they came to Whakatāne to remember loved ones lost to the tragedy.
For some who live abroad, it's the first time they've returned since Whakaari erupted.
As the day dawned families from Australia, Canada and New Zealand paid tribute not just to their loved ones but also to those who cared for them in the wake of the eruption.
"We got to meet one of the survivors who came back, which was awesome. When we last saw him it wasn't looking good, but he's bounced back and he's here today which is great," Fire and Emergency New Zealand's Chris Hands said.
It was a day of recollections and giving back to the community.
"It's about remembering and sharing and connecting and if we can do that in a positive way and raise some funds and help the community for future scenarios and events then that's what we're about," Mark Inman said.
Many people braved a blustery day to play a round of golf to fundraise for Whakatāne's fire brigade who were among the first on the scene.
"Couldn't think of a greater cause to support really," one person said.
Another said: "The people involved with the island and the eruption did some truly amazing things that I wonder if many of us can actually handle."
The tournament was also in memory of Mark's brother Hayden - a local tour guide whose body was never recovered.
"We'll do our minute silence and then we're going to toast a shot to him," Inman said.
At Te Tutahi Manuka marae, local iwi Ngāti Awa held whanāu close who are now forever tied to the land.
Three years ago, the marae acted as a base for families in search of answers.
On Friday at 2:11pm, a bell tolled to mark the moment Whakaari erupted and 22 lives were lost.
The people in Whakatāne have forever been changed by this tragedy.
"Days like today remind us of the loss and the hurt and it'll never be forgotten, but these days help us keep healing," Whakatāne District Council's CEO Steph O'Sullivan said.
"Whakaari's Whakaari and we still love her and she's still the beautiful island that we go and visit and spend time with," Inman said.
An island and its waters that will forever hold the memories of 22 lives.
