Overview of the co-ordinated risk-based approach to science and management response and recovery for the 2012 eruptions of Tongariro volcano, New Zealand

Tongariro volcano, New Zealand, lies wholly within the Tongariro National Park (TNP), one of New Zealandʹs major tourist destinations. Two small eruptions of the Te Maari vents on the northern flanks of Tongariro on 6 August 2012 and 21 November 2012 each produced a small ash cloud to < 8 km height accompanied by pyroclastic density currents and ballistic projectiles. The most popular day hike in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (TAC), runs within 2 km of the Te Maari vents. The larger of the two eruptions (6 August 2012) severely impacted the TAC and resulted in its closure, impacting the local economic and potentially influencing national tourism. In this paper, we document the science and risk management response to the eruption, and detail how quantitative risk assessments were applied in a rapidly evolving situation to inform robust decision-making for when the TAC would be re-opened. The volcanologist and risk manager partnership highlights the value of open communication between scientists and stakeholders during a response to, and subsequent recovery from, a volcanic eruption.