An unnamed Malaysian is among the five people confirmed dead after Monday's eruption at White Island.

In a post on Facebook, the Malaysian High Commission in Wellington said that New Zealand authorities had informed them of the death.

"We are working closely with the local authorities and will continue to update from time to time," the post said.

"We would like to urge the public to contact us if they have information on any Malaysians being in the area."

There was only one Malaysian on the island at the time of the eruption, according to Tracey Hook, the CEO of White Island Tours.

The other nationalities were Australian, American, New Zealander, German, Chinese and British.