New Zealand volcano: NSW couple still missing, presumed dead

The father of a man who was on New Zealand’s White Island with his girlfriend when the volcano erupted has criticised the lack of communication he has received following news the couple are still missing, presumed dead.

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The father of a Coffs Harbour man feared dead has criticised authorities’ lack of communication about his son and girlfriend’s whereabouts, following the explosion.

Peter Elzer, whose son Richard, 32, was on New Zealand’s White Island with Karla Mathews when the volcano erupted has released a statement on behalf of his family.

“We the extended Elzer family confirm that our son / brother / uncle Richard Elzer and his beautiful girlfriend Karla Mathews are among the eight people missing, presumed to be deceased,”

Richard Elzer and Karla Matthews.

“We are currently dealing with the situation as a close knit family unit and appreciate our privacy being respected by all media outlets.

Mr Elzer said the couple was travelling with three friends, including Paul Murtha and Alex Severus who decided not to join them on the tour of the island and Jason Griffiths, 32, who is in a serious condition with burns to 80 per cent of his body.

“We acknowledge the mammoth efforts undertaken by Paul Murtha and Alex Severus who are travelling with Rick and Karla,” he said.

The pair had been travelling with three friends including Jason Griffiths who has suffered critical burns.

“They have searched tirelessly for information day and night, at their own expense, to provide us with regular updates. We also acknowledge the generous offers from Rick’s employer Woolworths during this very difficult time.”

But Mr Elzer said he was “frustrated” by the lack of information given to the family by the Australian authorities and has called on changes for the way Department of Foreign Affairs “corresponds with immediate family members in crises like these”.

The couple’s travel companion Jason Griffiths is being treated in hospital for severe burns.

“To be reliant (on) media reports for information shows a real lack of consideration for the welfare of those families,” he said.

“We extend our warmest wishes to all those still suffering and their families and the families of the deceased.”

A Woolworths spokesman said Richard’s colleagues were shaken by the news.

“Our thoughts are with our team member’s loved ones at this difficult time,” he said.

“We’ve been in close contact with his family and offered to assist them in any way we can.

“We’re also offering our support to his colleagues, who are understandably shaken by the news.”

Two Sydney families are also still unaccounted for in the wake of the disaster.

The Langford family of North Willoughby — parents Anthony and Kristine and their children Jesse, 19, and Winona, 17 — were among those aboard the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship who took a shore excursion to the island.

The Langford family with an elderly relative in September 2018. L-R: Anthony, Jesse, Kristine and Winona Langford. Picture: Instagram

Despite there being no contact from any of them since the eruption, loved ones were clinging to hopes they are still alive.

Jesse’s former principal at Marist College North Shore, Tony Duncan, said in a statement: “It is with a heavy heart that I can confirm to you that several members­ of our Marist North Shore family are missing.

“Jesse, who graduated last year, was a talented and popular student during his time at the school, finishing up as MacKillop House captain.

“Jesse has been a student at Marist since Year 7, with his family remembered fondly around the College. Please have the Langford family in your prayers.”

Earlier on Wednesday, 7News reported that Jesse has been found alive and is in hospital.

Anthony and Kristine Langford with their children Jesse and Winona. Picture: Instagram

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Mr Langford’s brother Rodney, who lives in a duplex beside his sibling’s family, was desperately trying to receive information on their whereabouts.

“We know that they went on a cruise on the island and there’s an explosion and they’re missing,” he said. “I’m hoping somebody knows anything, has seen my brother, knows my brother.”

Mr Langford is a long-time employee of Sydney Water. That organisation was informed of the family’s involvement on Tuesday.

Waiting for news … Mr Langford’s brother and another relative on Tuesday. Source: 7 NEWS

Another Sydney family — Martin and Barbara Hollander and their children Matthew­ and Berend — are also unaccounted for. Knox Grammar School on Tuesday informed parents that Year 8 student Matthew­ and Year 10 student Berend, and their parents were among the 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.

Knox Grammar student brothers Matthew

and Berend Hollander. Pictures: Supplied

Martin Hollander is unaccounted for along with his wife Barbara and children Matthew and Berend. Picture: LinkedIn

A letter from Knox Grammar Headmaster Scott James informing the school community that the Hollander family was unaccounted for.

Originally published as New Zealand volcano: NSW couple still missing, presumed dead