Scientists urge caution over NZ's Mt Tongariro volcano | Pacific Beat

Mount Tongariro, just south of Lake Taupo, erupted last night around midnight, for the first time in more than a century.

An ash plume quickly formed, spreading over a large area of the North Islands' East Coast, closing road and disrupting flights.

David Coetzee, duty manager at New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence, says the eruption has come as a bit of a surprise.

Presenter: Bruce Hill

Speaker:David Coetzee, duty manager at New Zealand's Ministry of Civil Defence