New Zealand and the Whakaari / White Island Volcano Eruption

Abstract This chapter examines New Zealand Prime Minister Arden’s leadership during the Whakaari / White Island volcano eruption that killed more than twenty tourists and severely injured dozens of others. This natural disaster is considered a gender-neutral crisis type. The chapter assesses public remarks at press conferences and parliamentary debates for a one-year period following the eruption (December 9, 2019, through December 9, 2020). The analysis confirms the book’s theory that a gender-neutral crisis type, together with Ardern’s gender-neutral issue framing, did not provide many opportunities for Ardern to receive a large increase in public approval ratings—despite her gender-congruent leadership style and crisis communication.