White Island Survivor: Inside NZ's Worst-Ever Volcanic Disaster
- Feb 24, 2026
- 1:32:34
- Full Episode
Kelsey Waghorn is a Whakaari/White Island survivor and former guide who suffered severe burns and has undergone ongoing surgeries and rehab.
This chat paints a detailed picture of who she was before December 9, 2019, what happened during the eruption and how the years since have looked.
She shares her story on her own terms and in her own words, including recovery milestones, the messy middle, and what it means to keep turning up.
This podcast first came out in May 2023. I decided to rerelease it because Kelsey has just put a book out called “Surviving White Island".
So if you like this conversation, I have no doubt you will love to learn more about this incredible Kiwi in her own words through her book.
I loved spending time with Kelsey Waghorn and I have no doubt you will as well.
Check out Kelseys Book here: https://www.mightyape.co.nz/mn/buy/kogan-international-surviving-white-island-40936296/?gad_campaignid=22002998298&gad_source=1
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Brief Summary
Kelsey Waghorn shares her traumatic experience of surviving the White Island eruption and her ongoing recovery journey.
Key points
- Coping with Trauma. Kelsey talks about using humor to cope with her trauma after the incident.
- Watching the Netflix Documentary. Kelsey shares her experience watching the documentary about the eruption.
- The Pain of Recovery. Describing the agony of recovery post-surgery, the speaker reflects on the physical and emotional toll.
- Survivor's Guilt. The speaker reflects on the complexities of being a survivor and the weight of knowledge.
- The Long Boat Ride Home. After a traumatic event, the journey back on the boat is filled with tension and pain.
- The Importance of Skin Donation. A poignant discussion about the need for skin donation and its impact on burn victims.
Episode highlights
- Coping with TraumaKelsey talks about using humor to cope with her trauma after the incident.“You got to laugh through it. I've cried enough about it.”6:20Feb 24, 2026
- Watching the Netflix DocumentaryKelsey shares her experience watching the documentary about the eruption.“I was more critiquing what was fact and what wasn't.”11:39Feb 24, 2026
- The Pain of RecoveryDescribing the agony of recovery post-surgery, the speaker reflects on the physical and emotional toll.“It was horrific every time.”20:09Feb 24, 2026
- Survivor's GuiltThe speaker reflects on the complexities of being a survivor and the weight of knowledge.“It’s just a shitty position to be in.”25:16Feb 24, 2026
- The Long Boat Ride HomeAfter a traumatic event, the journey back on the boat is filled with tension and pain.“It’s a long way back and it’s a long time.”34:39Feb 24, 2026
- The Importance of Skin DonationA poignant discussion about the need for skin donation and its impact on burn victims.“You actually have to make a specific point like include my skin.”45:12Feb 24, 2026
- Waking Up from a ComaThe moment of realization after waking up in the hospital is surreal and unsettling.“This isn't very hygienic. This is not a good place to be.”51:01Feb 24, 2026
- Media Frenzy After TragedyThe overwhelming media attention creates a sense of paranoia and fear.“It's like this big media frenzy piranha just ripping shreds off.”1:02:04Feb 24, 2026
