The Whakaari Memorial will be a fitting tribute to honour those who lost their lives and the community response to the event. It is intended to create a space of solace and remembrance where whanau, friends and the community can gather at any time.

The concept design for the physical memorial is under development and has involved input from those most directly impacted by the events of 9 December 2019.

The project is led by the Whakaari Memorial Steering Group. This group comprises representatives from the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board, Te Runanga o Ngāti Awa and the community, with support from Whakatāne District Council.