Other volcanoes

Auckland is also at risk from eruptions elsewhere in the North Island.

An eruption from volcanoes such as Mt Ruapehu, and Mt Taranaki could spread a thin layer of ash over the entire Auckland region. Even small amounts of volcanic ash, eg a few millimetres, can cause problems with telecommunications, transportation and water and wastewater networks. Airports would have to close, air-conditioning systems and air filters would break down and waste and stormwater drains could become blocked causing flooding.

An eruption from bigger and more explosive volcanoes such as Taupo volcano or Okataina volcano could deposit ash up to ten centimetres in thickness.

While these bigger eruptions are probably less likely to occur than an eruption from the Auckland volcanic field, eruptions from Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki are likely to be more frequent. The chance of Auckland being covered in ash from one of these volcanoes in the next 50 years is between 15 per cent and 60 per cent.

However, we need to be prepared, so that if an ash-fall did occur, we would know what to do.