09/07/2026
A special kōrero from a special person.
Mark Law is a true legend and someone who holds a unique place in the Whakaari story. He was there on that day, experienced the events first-hand, and has continued to stand alongside us each year as we come together to remember, reflect, and celebrate the lives, strength and connections of those past and present.
His willingness to share, support and honour the memories of those affected has always been appreciated by our whānau and our wider community.
Congratulations Mark on the release of your book. We look forward to reading your story and thank you for continuing to share your voice and your journey.
Ngā mihi nui ❤️
We are excited to be publishing Lucky You're Tough by Mark Law with Ron Crosby, coming 18 August.
Lucky You're Tough chronicles the life of Hero Whakaari helicopter pilot and former NZSAS soldier, Mark Law, from growing up in the rural wilds of Whangamōmona through to surviving a series of life-threatening events that would shape his life and career.
After a career as a badged soldier in the NZSAS that led to an intriguing stint with the British SAS and then working as private security in active war zones, Mark returned to NZ to start his own helicopter business, Kāhu NZ. While on a sunny day off on 9 December 2019, he got the call that Whakaari/White Island was erupting. All those years of service and expertly trained instincts led to a split-second decision: Mark and his Kāhu NZ colleagues would fly to the erupting volcano to rescue any survivors they could find.
This daring rescue mission would ensure that Mark and the other pilots were able to comfort the injured, as well as to fly those 12 stranded survivors off the island. Mark's decision led to himself and his fellow heroic pilots being awarded medals for bravery by the New Zealand government.
Lucky You're Tough is a story of service, adventure, humour and resilience, and surviving when the odds are against you.
