A. P. W. Thomas was professor of natural science at Auckland University College. He made a detailed investigation of the Tarawera area immediately after the eruption of 10 June 1886, and returned three times over the following year to investigate different aspects. His report, published in July 1888, included maps showing the thickness of ash deposited over the Bay of Plenty region, and is the best contemporary scientific account of the eruption.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)

William Blomfield was a nephew of Charles Blomfield, who had painted many pictures of the world-famous Pink and White Terraces at Lake Rotomahana. In 1886 William Blomfield made a daring trip to investigate the damage caused by the Tarawera eruption, and telegraphed Auckland with the news that the terraces had been destroyed.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)

James Hector was director of the New Zealand Geological Survey from 1865 to 1892. As soon as word of the Tarawera eruption reached Wellington he travelled to the area, accompanied by the geologist James Park. Hector’s investigation was the first scientific account of the eruption and its effects.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)

Sophia Hinerangi was the principal tourist guide at the Pink and White Terraces before the 1886 Tarawera eruption. She reported seeing a ghostly canoe before the disaster, which led her to foretell the end of her career in that area. She survived the eruption and moved to Whakarewarewa, where she continued guiding.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)

Mita Taupopoki was a leader of the Tūhourangi and Ngāti Wāhiao tribes at Whakarewarewa. After the 1886 Tarawera eruption he provided shelter to many Tūhourangi people, whose lands and livelihoods had been destroyed. In later years he helped them to return to the area around Lake Tarawera.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)

The Te Arawa leader Te Keepa Te Rangi-pūawhe lived at Te Wairoa in the 1880s. He and his people acted as guardians and guides to the Pink and White Terraces. At the time of the Tarawera eruption many people sheltered in his house until he advised them to leave, as it was becoming unsafe. He worked to recover bodies and salvage the little that was left of the village, and he later argued with the government over the meagre relief offered to his people.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)

At the time of the 1886 Tarawera eruption Alfred Warbrick was on a hunting expedition north of Lake Tarawera. He helped in the rescue attempts, and was part of the group that confirmed that most of those close to the source had perished. For over 30 years afterwards Warbrick acted as a guide to journalists and tourists at Mt Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana and the Waimangu thermal area.

Learn more at the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography
(Link opens in a new browser window)