People in these areas are also being warned of localised downpours.
"It felt like 84 years when you've locked eyes with a fellow shopper."
It brings the King's Birthday long weekend road toll to two.
The serious crash unit has been advised.
A GeoNet volcanologist described the event as "a vigorous steam-gas plume above the island".
Some residents in the Bay of Plenty have started to evacuate their homes.
Rents in the region are nearing $700 a week.
You might want to pack a raincoat today.
Hone Kay-Selwyn was found dead after a manhunt was launched for the 31yo.
The city will return to fully elected governance in July after being run by commissioners since 2020.
The assault happened inside the mall's Woolworths store on Friday afternoon.
The ordeal began at 10pm on Wednesday when police officers approached a suspicious vehicle on State Highway 30.
It stuck at a depth of 17km.
Pitihira was one of three men who fled police after an alleged burglary and ran into the sea to avoid arrest.
A tow truck has arrived at the scene to take away the vehicles involved.
Armed police have rushed to the area.
A vehicle used during the incident has been impounded.
Steven Taiatini was hit and killed by a car in Ōpōtiki last year.
Two stolen vehicles and a stolen motorbike were also recovered.
A man is facing 30 charges, including for the supply of methamphetamine.
More Bay of Plenty News: Mt Manganui, Rotorua, Tauranga
