New Zealand volcano: Knox school’s prayers for brothers missing alongside parents
Concerned family and friends of Martin and Barbara Hollander and their children Matthew and Berend are desperately trying to ascertain whether their loved ones are laying in hospital beds somewhere in New Zealand — or are among the eight ash-covered bodies located on devastated White Island.
NSW
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Fresh details have emerged of a Sydney family of four who set off last week on a cruise of fun and adventure, but were this morning among Australians still unaccounted for in the wake of the White Island volcano disaster.
Concerned family and friends of Martin and Barbara Hollander and their children Matthew and Berend — are desperately trying to ascertain whether their loved ones were lying in hospital beds somewhere in New Zealand — or are among the eight ash-covered bodies believed to still be lying on the island.
Knox Grammar School on Tuesday informed parents that Year 8 student Matthew and Year 10 student Berend, and their parents were among the missing.
The school has described Matthew as a “vibrant member” of the school who is actively involved in representing the school in basketball, squash and debating.
Last year, the popular Year 8 student was elected as a Mentor Representative and was always “enthusiastic about life” and involved in many school activities.
His older brother Berend, who is in Year 10, was also described as being involved in a number of sport activities including AFL, Cadets and known to be a baseball lover.
They added that the 13-year-old had, loved for his smile and quirky sense of humour, loved the outdoors and camping and a particular interest in software design.
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Concerned family and friends were desperately trying to ascertain whether their loved ones were lying in hospital beds somewhere in New Zealand — or are among the eight ash-covered bodies believed to still be lying on the island.
Knox Grammar informed parents on Tuesday about the family missing.
“It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm that a Knox family is currently unaccounted for … in the eruption,” headmaster Scott James wrote. Mr Hollander had also attended the school.
“I ask you to keep the family, their relatives and the rest of Knox community in your prayers and thoughts.”
New Zealand police have launched an investigation into why 47 tourists, including 24 Australians, were on the volcano when it erupted two weeks after warnings of volatility. Six have been confirmed dead and eight are missing, presumed dead.
We know 24 were Australian, nine were from the United States, five were Kiwis, four were Germans, two were Chinese and one was Malaysian.
Police have confirmed five of those people have died – of those identified, one was a Kiwi and the other was the Malaysian tourist.
Tour guide Tipene Maangi, 24, was as on Whakaari at 2.10pm on Monday and hasn’t been heard from since. He is still reported as being missing.