Volcanic Eruption
Civil Defence Emergency Information for Homes and Workplaces
New Zealand's seven volcanic fields are in the North Island. They have all erupted in the past and are capable of erupting again.
The Risks
People living in these regions are at risk from
A major eruption can deposit huge quantities of ash across vast areas creating serious problems for both urban and rural communities.
The Seven Active Volcanic Fields are Located in
Auckland: There are approximately 50 eruptive centres in the Auckland Region. Rangitoto is the largest. It last erupted around 750 years ago.
Mt Taranaki/ Mt Egmont: A major eruption here would produce lahars (mudflows of erupted material mixing with snow and water) which would affect many parts of Taranaki.
Kaikohe/Whangarei: The most recent eruption was Mt Te Puke, near Waitangi, approximately 1500 years ago.
Whakaari (White Island): A major eruption would pose a Tsunami threat to the Bay of Plenty coastline.
Okataina: Mt Tarawera is part of this group. It last erupted in 1886, killing 153 people and destroying the famous Pink and White Terraces.
Taupo: A major eruption about 26,500 years ago - followed by a smaller eruption 1850 years ago, produced the crater (or caldera) which we now call Lake Taupo.
Tongariro: This area includes Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu and Tongariro. Ngauruhoe last erupted in 1975; Ruapehu in 1995 and 1996.
Before An Eruption Occurs
- have your emergency survival kit ready.
- find out whether there are volcanic hazards likely to affect you
- if you live in an active volcanic zone, assume that you may have to deal with the effects of an eruption.
- if you live in an area that could experience a lava flow during a volcanic eruption, know a quick route to safe ground.
When an Eruption Threatens
During an Eruption
- save water in containers at an early stage. The water supply could become polluted later.
- take your emergency survival kit with you if you have to leave.
- turn electricity and gas off at the mains.
- don't leave home unless advised to.
- stay indoors as much as possible. Keep your pets indoors to.
- if you must go out, wear a mask and goggles to keep volcanic ash out of eyes and lungs.
- deep "outdoor" clothes separate from those worn inside the house. Volcanic ash is difficult to get rid of.
- keep gutters and roof clear of ash. Heavy deposits can cause the roof to collapse.
- if you live in hilly terrain, don't go above ridgelines. The hill will protect you from flying volcanic debris.
