21 November 2012, 3.40pm

Tongariro eruption no significant threat for Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group says there is no significant threat from this afternoon’s volcanic eruption at Mount Tongariro.

GNS Science confirmed the eruption, at the Te Maari crater, happened shortly after 1.20pm. It is the second eruption on the mountain this year; an eruption on August 6 was the first on Tongariro for more than 100 years.

There is no connection between the activity on Mt Tongariro and Mt Ruapehu.

Hawke’s Bay CDEM Group Controller Ian Macdonald advises, “We’re monitoring this situation and working with Ministry staff from Wellington and GNS.

He says the ash is falling in a north-easterly direction and Hawke’s Bay is not expected to be affected by it.

There has been some disruption to domestic flights around the country and those travelling are being advised to contact their airline for more details.

ENDS

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