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New Zealand has 7 active volcanic centres – all in the North Island.
These have all erupted in the past, and are capable of doing so again.

AUCKLAND
More than 50 eruptive centres have been recognised in the central Auckland area. A large part of Metropolitan Auckland is at risk from future volcanic activity. Rangitoto is the largest in the area, and last erupted about 750 years ago.

TARANAKI (EGMONT)
A major eruption here would produce "Lahars" affecting many parts of Taranaki.

KAIKOHE / WHANGAREI
The most recent eruption was Mt Te Puke (near Waitangi) approximately 1500 years ago.

WHAKAARI (WHITE ISLAND)
This volcano is active. A major eruption would pose a tsunami threat to the Bay of Plenty coastline.

OKATAINA
Tarawera, which is part of this group, last erupted in 1886.   This eruption killed 153 people, and destroyed the famous Pink and White Terraces.

TAUPO
Lake Taupo is the crater produced by a major eruption (bigger than  Krakatoa), which occurred about 1850 years ago.   This type of crater is called a ’caldera’.

TONGARIRO
This area includes Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu and Tongariro. Activity on Ruapehu indirectly caused the Tangiwai disaster in 1953, when a ’lahar’ destroyed a bridge above the Wangaehu River. ’Lahars’ have also affected ski fields on Ruapehu in the past. Ngauruhoe last erupted in 1975.

If expert volcanologists agree that a life- threatening eruption is likely to take place, and they become aware of the possibility early enough, a Civil Defence emergency would be declared and the danger area evacuated ... that area may include YOUR home.

If you live in an active volcanic zone – assume that you may have to deal with the effects of an eruption at some stage.

SOME PRECAUTIONS THAT YOU CAN TAKE ...

Before an eruption occurs

Organise your "GETAWAY KIT" - include your "SURVIVAL KIT", important documents and personal items (e.g. family photographs).

Maintain your "DISASTER SURVIVAL KIT".

When an eruption threatens

Listen to your radio for information and follow civil defence advice.

During an eruption
DO Save water in containers at an early stage – supplies may become polluted.
DO Conserve water.
DO Stay indoors as much as possible.
DO Keep pets indoors.
DO Keep separate, clothes worn outside – volcanic ash is difficult to get rid of. Take these off before entering a building.
DO Wear mask and goggles if you go outside – this will help to keep volcanic ash out of eyes and lungs.
DO Keep below ridge lines in hilly terrain – the hill will offer some protection from flying volcanic debris.
DO Keep gutters and roof clear of ash – heavy deposits can collapse the roof.
DON’T Go sightseeing in a restricted area – it may endanger your life and the lives of others who may have to rescue
DON’T Leave home unless advised to by Civil Defence or Emergency Services.

Glossary

ASH
Very fine volcanic rock fragments.

LAHAR
A mudflow produced by erupted material mixing with snow or water.   
A lahar can also be produced when a crater lake bursts.   This has happened in the past on Ruapehu.

LAVA
Molten rock which flows from a volcanic vent during an eruption, and which hardens as it cools, e.g. Rangitoto. If you have to leave – take your "GETAWAY KIT" with you.   Turn off electricity and gas at the mains.

TEPHRA
Material erupted from a volcano and carried great distances through the air. Size ranges from fine dust (ash), to coarse fragments.

KNOW WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU HAVE TO DO IT!