Whakapapa Village is being evacuated as a precaution due to the fire in the Tongariro National Park.

Thirty six people who live in the village were warned earlier today that they might need to evacuate, and that the signal to leave would be the use of the town’s lahar warning system.

Those evacuating will make their way to the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre in National Park and register so that everyone is accounted for. Those who then need assistance with finding accommodation will be supported by Civil Defence.

Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Craig Gold says that the decision to evacuate the village was made based on the fire’s behaviour today.

"We are erring on the side of caution and getting people out in daylight, after plenty of warning. This way we have time to make sure that everyone is accounted for during daylight."

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