Mt Tongariro has erupted for the first time in 115 years,
spreading ash and forcing people to leave their homes.
The eruption occurred just before midnight on Monday,
with eye witnesses reporting loud explosions, bright flashes,
and plumes of smoke spewing from the mountain.
Joining us live just under the mountain in Turangi
is our Waiariki reporter, Hinerangi Goodman.
It's been 115 years since Mt Tongariro last erupted.
I arrived here this morning
to canvas the thoughts of the people living here under the mountain.
Despite warnings,
it seems as if some didn't want to move to safer ground.
These people of Ngati Hikairo ki Tongariro say
they heard the mountain come alive last night.
It was an exciting and amazing event.
Some go as far as to say it's an omen of caution to the Government.
This family packed up and prepared to evacuate
to Hirangi Marae, Turangi.
While the mountain now sits quietly,
who knows when another eruption will occur?
With me now is Te Ngaehe Wanikau, a leader of Ngati Tuwharetoa.
Te Ngaehe, tena koe.
What do you think this signifies?
It's a sign for us living at the base of these majestic mountains.
It's a great and regal omen,
honouring the noble house of Tuwharetoa and their work for Maori
in the water rights issue.
It's a sign for Tuwharetoa and its hapu that live here,
under the gaze of these majestic mountains.
For us, it's not an ominous sign.
Our elders wept at the sight of the mountain – out of awe.
When Tongariro shows his power and authority,
it's a great omen for the people of Tuwharetoa.
What will the people do now? There might be another eruption.
From the eruption last night,
people went to look after those who lived close to the mountain.
Most of them didn't want to leave.
They said they had grown up there and were prepared to stay, even
if it meant risking their lives.
For them, their spirits lifted; our spirits lifted.
This sign hasn't come for over 100 years,
and now it's happened.
Thank you, Ngaehe. Our time has finished.
Back to you, Scotty.
Thank you, Hinerangi, live from Turangi.