By RNZ

Ash from Whakaari/White Island has forced Tauranga Airport to cancel eight flights.

Airport manager Ray Dumble said the last four flights departing Tauranga on Monday night had been cancelled, with the first four departures on Tuesday morning.

The volcano is currently at alert level 3, denoting a minor eruption, and has been seen releasing ash and steam over the weekend.

Forty-seven people were on the Bay of Plenty volcano when it erupted in December 2019, killing 22 and seriously injuring 25.