Mt Tongariro is located 20kms southwest of Taupo
and last erupted in August.
GNS Science has confirmed that
the mountain erupted at the Te Maari Crater
shortly after 1.30pm, for about two minutes.
A huge ash cloud can be seen billowing about 2kms in the air.
There are reports up to 100 people, children and adults,
were on the mountain at the time of the eruption.
There are no reported casualties or injuries
and the scene is still being investigated.
This is the second eruption this year.
The Te Maari Crater erupted on August 6,
the first time in more than 100 years.
The August eruption widened and deepened the crater
and reactivated vents which had been covered up
in the 116 years since it last erupted in 1896.
Ruapehu has also been active in the past but has not yet erupted.
GNS said last week that although the volcanoes are close to each other
scientists did not believe
that the activity at both volcanoes was related.
We cross live now to Irena Smith in our Auckland newsroom.
Locals are keeping a close eye on Ruapehu and Tongariro,
and I just recently spoke to Bubs Smith of Ngati Hikairo
who saw the eruption from Lake Rotoaira
on the northern side of Mt Tongariro.
What more is the iwi kainga saying about the eruption, Irena?
According to Bubs, this eruption has now cleared a pathway
for lava to come down the mountain.
And what's most alarming about this is that the focus was on Mt Ruapehu
over the past couple of weeks.
Do we know if any local residents have been affected?
There is some concern
for the 109 people living close to Lake Rotoaira.
In case of ash fall,
Ngati Hikairo and Tuwharetoa are putting safety plans in place.
That was our reporter Irena Smith, live from the Auckland newsroom.
Kelly Isherwood lives in Turangi and witnessed the eruption.
She spoke to us earlier.
Joining me from Wellington is Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell.
Tena koe, Te Ururoa.
What can you tell us about the eruption?
What reports have you received?
I was on a flight when Tongariro erupted.
The pilot made the announcement on the plane.
Our plane swiftly left the area and we arrived safely in Wellington.
There wasn't a big fuss about it, and we didn't get too close.
The mountain last erupted in August. Do you know of any plans
put in place since then to ensure the safety of the community?
I can't confirm that because I didn't have a chance to meet
with all members of the community.
I only attended a few meetings in Tuwharetoa.
The iwi has a good evacuation plan in place
and that goes without saying in an area like this.
However, I'm yet to receive official details.
Is there a Maori sign that we should take from this?
What do you think?
I'm not the right person to ask, Scotty.
Tuwharetoa can give you a better answer.
Following the last eruption
there were some saying there was more to that first eruption.
But I'm not the right person to talk to.
They say that it sometimes happens with Ruapehu,
and other times, Tongariro.
At the moment it's Tongariro.
When do you plan to be in the area?
Well maybe when the dust settles.
I've only just recently arrived in Wellington
and I have some commitments to attend to here.
We've just heard from the news report the community are OK,
so I will eventually get there and find out what's happening,
or even whether it may erupt again.
In the last Tongariro eruption in August;
did the locals get in touch with you then?
No. Not at all.
As far as I know they were calm and were able to look after themselves.
DOC was also there to assist them
so we weren't notified that anyone was in danger.
They've long lived in this area and are used to it,
so they're OK at the moment.
I think the biggest concern is for the tourists
who are tramping in the area;
there are a lot who make the trek up there.
So it's hoped that they have evacuated everyone from the area.
So you don't think you'll be needed in the coming few days to help out?
Well the thing is, I'm not a god.
Tongariro will do his thing, and ours is to observe
and hope for the protection of the gods themselves to keep us safe.
You have many followers who think you can do the impossible.
Te Ururoa Flavell, thank you for joining us.
We hope all those near Tongariro remain safe.