One of the pilots who attended White Island says they knew the risks involved, and they would be willing to take that risk.

The death toll from Monday's eruption has risen to six, and 30 victims are in hospitals around the country.

Police have not yet set foot on the island, having cited safety concerns since the island erupted. 

The Police Minister has defending the cautious approach officers are taking, saying if they go too early, it could be another tragedy.

However, a number of pilots attended the scene as soon as they were made aware of the incident, and proved crucial in getting injured off the island. 

Jason Hill was one of the pilots. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan while they were tending to the injured on the island, they heard on handheld radios emergency services had decided not to come.

He says that's when they decided to help them, as that meant they had to do their best for the injured. 

"We knew if we didn't help them, right there and then, we wouldn't be seeing any of them." 

Hill says  looking at conditions on the island, he would've gone back to retrieve victims over the last two days.

"We all know the risks involved and everyone takes risks every day, and we were willing to take that risk and help those loved ones."