Every now and then Mother Nature reminds us who's really in charge around here.
Monday night's eruption of Mt Tongariro was its first in more than a century. (Though Mt Ngauruhoe, which is technically a secondary cone of Tongariro, erupted several times in the past 100 years).
Witnesses talked ofbright red rocks shooting from the mountain, of flame-like explosions, lightning and plumes of smoke, and many woke yesterday morning to a huge ash cloud.
Meanwhile, out in the Bay, White Island is simmering, with a small eruption recorded at the weekend. Experts point out there is believed to be no connection between these incidents, though you couldn't blame anyone for wondering.
Thankfully no one has been killed or hurt, and the systems that sprang into action on news of the Tongariro eruption seemed to have operated smoothly.
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management says the threat from Mt Tongariro has passed.
Great news, but now seems like a good time to check those emergency kits, because Monday night's event is a powerful reminder that we never know what Mother Nature has in store for us next.
