Erebus disaster
New Zealand disasters timeline
This timeline lists New Zealand’s worst post-1840 natural disasters, transport accidents, fires, mining accidents and other tragedies that have caused major loss of life. Follow the links for more information on NZHistory.net.nz, Te Ara and other sites. See also: map showing location of these disasters
Police response to disaster
Responding to tragedy
...although the functions of the Police have not been set down by statute, there is universal acceptance that these are primarily the preservation of life and property. It follows naturally from this that the Police have a clear duty to adopt all reasonable means towards these ends.
Commissioner of Police C. L. Spencer 1963
Tourist flights to Antarctica - Erebus disaster
Timeline to disaster - Erebus disaster
Hearing the news - Erebus Disaster
Koru capsule on Mt Erebus
A koru-shaped capsule located beside the Erebus disaster memorial cross on Mt Erebus. It contains messages from relatives of the victims of the disaster which were collected for the 30th anniversary commemorations. The 26-kg capsule was due to be placed at the site on the anniversary by six relatives of the victims of the disaster visiting Antarctica, but bad weather prevented them from reaching the crash site. It was eventually taken there in January 2010.
Image: © R McPhail.
Erebus memorial at Kihikihi
Erebus memorial plaque at Kihikihi, just south of Te Awamutu. It is fixed to a tree beside the Rewi Maniapoto memorial (partly visible in the background). The memorial is dedicated to Cecil (Cecillia Campbell) and Jack (John Barnham) Emmett who were killed in the Erebus disaster on 28 November 1979. It was presented by the Women's Division of Federated Farmers.
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Air NZ momentum sculpture
The sculpture Momentum, marking the significant events in Air New Zealand’s history, was unveiled at Air New Zealand headquarters in Auckland on 23 October 2009. Family members of the victims of the Erebus disaster were invited to the ceremony, at which Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe apologised to those affected by the tragedy for Air New Zealand's failures and for its treatment of families of the victims.
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