Full weekend of events to commemorate Tarawera Eruption

Rotorua's well-known "shakey seat" cinema will be screening today as part of events to commemorate the 132-year anniversary of the Mount Tarawera eruption.

On 10 June, 1886, Mount Tarawera erupted with the loss of more than 120 lives.

The Rotorua Stories Movie, which takes viewers into the heart of Te Wairoa, hasn't been shown publicly since the museum closed for earthquake strengthening in November 2016.

The 20-minute film will be played three times in the Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri. The sessions will be today at 10am, 12pm and 2pm.

The Rotorua Stories Movie takes viewers on a thrilling adventure, plummeting 13km into the belly of the Earth to discover the scientific and mythological answers to Rotorua's volatile landscape.

Visit the world famous Pink and White Terraces, encounter great Te Arawa tūpuna, and experience a portrayal of the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera.

Tori Williams, Rotorua Museum events and engagement co-ordinator said the movie had always been extremely popular.

"The community love it. It's the perfect way to commemorate, remember and tell the story."

Williams said unforunately the shake seats wouldn't be there.

All sessions are free of charge and no bookings are required, however seats are limited.

On Sunday, Tuhourangi will mark the anniversary of the eruption with a karakia at Te Wairoa Carpark on the edge of Lake Tarawera.

The Buried Village will also be allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of those who experienced the catastrophic volcanic eruption 132 years ago, for a gold coin donation.

The annual open day invites locals and visitors to go through the village and enjoy the archaeological sites, museum and trail.

The recipient of this year's donation is the St Chads Charitable Trust.

St Chads centre manager Nicky Mayne said it was reliant on the goodwill of the community to continue to help people with disabilities in Rotorua.

"We are very thankful to the Buried Village for their belief in us.

"The funds will be directed to our life skills programme, especially in the area of home and living, which is about where we live, household skills, keeping ourselves safe and managing ourselves and our money. Learning the skills to enable greater independence helps to create a good life."

What's on
What: The Rotorua Stories Movie that was previously shown at Rotorua Museum
Where: Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri
When: 10am, 12pm and 2pm, Saturday
Cost: Free

What: Tarawera Commemoration
Where: Tarawera Trail start, car park before Te Wairoa, The Buried Village
When: 7.45am, Sunday
Cost: Free

What: Commemoration for descendants of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wahiao
Where: Te Pakira Marae, Whakarewarewa
When: 8.45am, Sunday
Cost: Free

What: The Buried Village open day fundraising for St Chad's Charitable Trust
Where: Te Wairoa, The Buried Village
When: 9am-4.30pm, Sunday
Cost: Gold coin donation