ATTENTION will focus on Mt Ruapehu today, a decade after volcanic eruptions received worldwide coverage.
Scientists, emergency managers, public, the media, and university students will gather at Whakapapa Village for a weekend workshop to discuss the lessons learned from the eruptions.
The event, starting today, will feature a range of public activities
and workshop sessions for the 70 people who have registered.
The series of spectacular eruptions, the biggest in New Zealand for 50 years, captured world media attention.
Remarkably, there were no deaths or serious injuries even though the eruptions coincided with the ski season.
At a workshop tomorrow, participants will discuss the good and indifferent features about the way the 1995-96 eruptions were managed, and the lessons learned.
Organisers aim to produce a list of action points to ensure that New Zealand is better prepared for future volcanic eruptions.
Included in the event is a public presentation this evening featuring scientists, Department of Conservation staff and iwi representatives covering the eruptions from every viewpoint. It will also feature a compilation of video footage of the eruptions.
The two-hour presentation starts at 5pm at the DoC Conservation Whakapapa Visitor Centre. Activities for the public will continue tomorrow and Sunday with guided walks. The event is part of Disaster Reduction Week, which is supported by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.
The eruptions over a 13-month period 10 years ago ejected a total of 60 million cubic metres of volcanic ash and were a timely reminder of the volcanic threat in New Zealand.
The ash discoloured rivers and water supplies, ruined crops and killed about 2000 sheep that ate ash-laden pasture. Ash even closed North Island airports and state highways on several occasions.
Ash entered the Tonagriro River as the snow melted and caused $22 million worth of damage to hydro-electric turbines at the Rangipo Power Station. It was closed for many months for repairs.
Despite the lasting images of Ruapehu's temper tantrums, there is virtually no trace of the eruptions on the mountain today.
