Light ash is reportedly falling on Napier this morning following the eruption of Mt Tongariro overnight, with some flight disruptions starting to be reported.
GNS Science said the mountain erupted at 11.50pm last night, throwing rocks and spewing ash from the Te Mari craters on the northern side of the mountain.
Reports said flights in and out of Napier airport have been delayed.
There are also reports of flight delays at Auckland airport for planes heading to Nelson, Palmerston North, Taupo, Gisborne and Rotorua.
Civil Defence said volcanic activity could pose a threat to Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Manawatu-Whanganui, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki.
Civil Defence in Napier was reported this morning as saying light ash was falling on the city.
Civil Aviation Authority Manager, Peter Lechner, said volcanic ash can cause safety dangers for aircraft, and volcanic advisories are in force until 9pm tonight into Gisborne, Southern Hawke's Bay and northern Wairarapa.
He said Taupo, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay airports are in the ash fallout area at this stage.
Light ash in Napier following Tongariro eruption
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