School camps continue after Tongariro eruption

[link to www.stuff.co.nz]

Groups of Auckland school students will continue to visit Mt Tongariro today but will stay away from the areas affected by yesterday's eruption.

An eruption at Te Maari crater, on the mountain's north-west side, about 1.30pm, sent a 2km-high ash plume into the sky causing panic and excitement for nearby trampers, including groups of children on camp.

Scientists have since warned further eruptions at Mt Tongariro may continue for months, if not years.

A group of 20 students and 10 adults from Gulf Harbour School were on the mountain when it erupted, and students from St Kentigern College has just arrived in the area. Further groups from St Kentigern College are due to arrive today and tomorrow.

Principal Steve Cole sent a newsletter to parents to ensure their children were "safe and well" and advised their trip would continue.

He said the Tongariro Crossing track was closed but everything else in the area was "operational and safe".

"Our programme will be directed away from the [crossing] area.

"Please be reassured that we will be taking the safety of all attending Field Centre 2012 very seriously and should the situation change we will advise families as soon as practical," the letter said.

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ffs this is disgusting

how dare these bloody schools keep the children up there!!

what dont they understand about the fact that there will be no warning!!

parents should go and get their kids from the school camps and take them home to safety

and what dont they understand about the fact that nobody knows how big and dangerous the next eruption will be!!

too many nz kids die on school camps already