Jacinda Ardern invites NZ and Australia to share a minute's silence for the White Island victims

New Zealand will observe a minute's silence on Monday to recognise the dead and wounded from the volcanic eruption on White Island.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses a press conference following the recovery operation to return the victims of the volcano eruption. Source: AP

New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern has invited Kiwis and Australians to share in a minute's silence for victims of the deadly volcanic blast on White Island.

The memorial will take place on 2:11pm NZDT and 12:11pm AEDT on Monday, precisely a week since the eruption began.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, right, hugs a first responder in Whakatane, New Zealand. Source: RNZ Pool

"Wherever you are in New Zealand, or around the world, this is a moment we can stand alongside those who have lost loved ones in this extraordinary tragedy," Ardern said.

"Together we can express our sorrow for those who have died and been hurt, and our support for their grieving families and friends."

Families of victims of the White Island eruption walk to a nearby marae after arriving back to the Whakatane wharf following a blessing at sea. Source: AP

Ardern will mark the occasion alongside cabinet members at their weekly meeting of government executives.

The official death toll from the Whakaari tragedy stands at eight.