Cabinet is not prepared to wait until Worksafe and coroners have finished their investigations into the Whakaari White Island explosion before considering any necessary law changes, and wants official advice in the New Year.
At Monday's Cabinet meeting Ministers had to consider whether anything needed to be done, on top of the two investigations already underway.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters at Parliament the WorkSafe investigation is likely to take about a year, and so officials have been asked to provide advice early next year, if they identify any broader issues.
The role of WorkSafe itself - as the primary regulator - could also come under scrutiny, potentially through a coronial inquest.
Ms Ardern said while the current inquiries would be thorough, Ministers want to make sure there are no gaps in the system.
Workplace health and safety laws and regulations for adventure tourism have been updated over the years in response to past tragedies. Tour operators like White Island Tours, work under 2016 regulations that require them to undergo a safety audit and register with WorkSafe.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne has also arrived in Wellington to express her country's thanks to New Zealand for its response to the Whakaari White Island tragedy, and to express her 'sincere condolences'.
She is meeting with Ms Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters. Ms Payne is going to meet with Australian Foreign Affairs and police staff helping with the response on the ground.
