New Zealand volcano eruption

NZ volcano eruption victims still fighting for their lives one month on

Twenty-six others are still in hospital in New Zealand and in Australia, with some still requiring round the clock care and fighting for their lives.

The island itself is still off-limits; scientists say its peak activity may have come and gone with the eruption, or this might be the start of something bigger.

The brother of missing tour guide Hayden Marshall-Inman is hopeful his body will be found.

Death toll rises with two still missing after NZ volcano eruption

The unidentified victim died in Australia after being sent for treatment. About 20 people remain in intensive care with severe burns.

The death brings to 16 the number of confirmed deaths.

Recovery teams returned to the island on Sunday to try to locate another two remaining bodies.

Eight police search and rescue personnel were deployed for 75 minutes to an area in which at least one of the bodies was believed to be. "We have found no further bodies in that area," Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Clement told reporters.

Recovery of bodies in NZ volcano eruption underway

The high-risk mission to recover the bodies left behind after Monday's deadly eruption started at 8am.

Police national operation commander Deputy Commissioner John Tims said the process to transport them to the navy ship by helicopter had begun.

He said one body had been successfully recovered and is now on board HMNZS Wellington.

The operation to recover the remaining bodies continues.

Earlier police said they expected the recovery operation to continue for another couple of hours.