Tongariro National Park
Factors affecting the property in 2001*
- Management activities
- Society's valuing of heritage
- Volcanic eruption
Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports
- Increase of the possom population and use of poison (issue resolved)
- Volcanic eruption having caused a large build-up of ash - risk of a lahar
International Assistance: requests for the property until 2001
Total amount approved : 0 USD
Missions to the property until 2001**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2001
The eruption of Mt. Ruapehu in 1995/1996 caused a large build-up of ash that blocked the outlet of Crater Lake. There is concern that when the Lake refills, a rapid collapse of the ash dam could occur followed by a major lahar (ash flow). Options to manage this risk need to take account of the protection of both the natural and the cultural values, as interference with the summit area and Crater Lake has implications for the protection of spiritual, traditional and cultural values to the Maori people.
New information:
A new report on the management of the ash build-up at Crater Lake refers to a Department of Conservation environmental risk assessment for the mitigation of the hazards from Crater Lake at Mt. Ruapehu. The report notes that following extensive and wide ranging consultation and reviews of various aspects of the Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) the Conservation Minister has approved the installation of an early warning system and construction of a bund to prevent the lahar overflowing into the Tongariro River Catchment from the Whangaehu Valley. The Minister is currently preparing a final decision on whether engineering works at Crater Lake are a necessary measure for the mitigation of the lahar hazard.
The report expresses concerns that the proposed engineering, in the form of major earthworks (including the possible construction of an artificial outlet for the Crater Lake), is an over-reaction to the degree of threat and will significantly harm both the cultural and natural values associated with the Crater rim. In the World Heritage nomination of Tongariro National Park, the Crater Lake on Mt Ruapehu was specifically identified as one of the three vulcanological features that justified this status.
The report also expresses concern that proposed engineering works might establish a dangerous precedent within Tongariro and other national parks. Eruptions within the Crater Lake are a regular and ongoing natural feature. Continual follow-up engineering works would be required following subsequent eruptions. Furthermore, the mountains of Tongariro National Park are sacred to the Maori people of New Zealand. The report comments that it is more consistent with National Park legislation and principles to allow natural process to function and to develop and implement measures that will protect both public safety and infrastructure.
Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2001
The Bureau may wish to adopt the following:
"The Bureau requests the State Party to report on the state of conservation of Tongariro National Park and to specifically outline alternative options to the proposed engineering works so as to maintain the outstanding natural and cultural values of the site. The Bureau requests the State Party to provide a report by 1 February 2002 for review at its twenty-sixth session in April 2002."
New ZealandExports
* :
The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).
** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.
