Reflections from an Indigenous Community on Volcanic Event Management, Communications and Resilience.

Abstract

Ngāti Rangi, an indigenous tribe of Aotearoa New Zealand, live on the southern flanks of their ancestral mountain, Ruapehu, an active volcano. Ruapehu has erupted and caused lahars within living memory, and nearby Tongariro erupted as recently as 2012. Ngāti Rangi and other iwi affiliated to these mountains are intimately connected to and familiar with the moods, signs, and language of the mountains. They have valuable knowledge to contribute to decision-making and warning systems during volcanic events. To date this knowledge or mātauranga Māori has been somewhat under-used. Ngāti Rangi have not always been included in decision-making processes during volcanic events. Communication is improving, however, and Ngāti Rangi have begun a journey of building their own monitoring, information collection, and communication systems. We examine past and present monitoring, warning systems, communications, and tribal civil defence resources. Our aim is to determine how Ngāti Rangi and their tribal knowledge can be better recognised. We also hope to improve communications with governmental volcanic hazard management agencies so we can ultimately work together to improve outcomes for the iwi and local community.