The scale of the destruction is worthy of a certain blockbuster movie set against Tongariro in the role of Mt Doom.
Drone footage by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) has revealed large tracts of Tongariro National Park blackened with ash from a huge wildfire that broke out over the weekend.
After an epic effort to contain the massive vegetation blaze, Fire and Emergency NZ today handed back control of the area to the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Damian Coutts, DOC Central North Island operations director, said the department took the lead on the fire response in Tongariro as of 2pm today, although FENZ was still providing support.
“Our teams have been systematically combing the fire grounds seeking hotspots. Where possible, they have also been taking photos of structural damage. It will still take time to fully assess impacts on tracks and biodiversity, and DOC will continue to provide updates on progress.”
Earth Sciences New Zealand also today posted compelling video from Geonet’s volcanic webcam, showing the smoke at the peak of the fire rising into the clouds.
“Our forecasting services team is watching local weather conditions like hawks,” Earth Sciences NZ posted.
“Twice a day since the fire broke out, they’ve been arming our friends at Fire and Emergency NZ with the latest intel.
“As the official forecasters, the focus has been and remains on wind gusts, wind direction, humidity, rainfall and temperature around Tongariro National Park. All of those elements have an impact on how the fire behaves.”
DOC and iwi explain rāhui
In a separate statement this afternoon, the Department of Conservation and Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro clarified the purpose of the two restorative rāhui placed on parts of the park.
The first rāhui was announced for seven days and extended to next week, to allow time for the land to settle and for FENZ, DOC and others to assess the burnt areas.
“That means our staff aren’t worrying about visitors coming into the tracks or the visitor centre – they can fully focus on ensuring the fire is out and assessing damage,” Coutts said.
The second rāhui was set to last 10 years and covered the fire ground itself.
The Department of Conservation said there had been confusion over this rāhui. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro spokesperson Te Ngaehe Wanikau explained it was about maunga ora, or wellbeing of the mountain.
“It’s not about keeping people out. It’s about restoration, it’s about the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of Tongariro,” he said.
“We’re being very strategic in placing this rāhui. Our biggest fear is two weeks, two months down the track everyone forgets about the fire, and we’re left with a landscape of weeds.
“Instead, we’re reinforcing a focus on restoring Tongariro. It’s a rāhui for people to come together, pool resources, and heal.”
Coutts said the Department of Conservation supported the 10-year rāhui.
Meanwhile, he urged people to stay away from the fire area until Monday, November 17.
