Volcano Stories — Season 1, Episode 12: New Zealand: Human Treasures

Episode synopsis

For nearly a thousand years, islanders have learned to master volcanic forces. A strong bond ties them to their land which offers them many gifts : beautiful obsidian stones and exceptional hot springs. Local sources of geothermal energy are another one of these volcanic treasures from "the land of the long white cloud". Some tribes have integrated this natural energy to their daily lives. This phenomenal source of energy also has more modern applications : it can provide enough electricty for 160,000 homes in New Zealand.

About Volcano Stories

No two volcanoes are alike; each one has its own distinctive landscape, climate, and geological context. Just as unique are the people we meet along the way who help us comprehend how greatly our planet – and our lives – have been shaped by volcanic phenomena. For the scientific aspect of each episode, we explore the very diverse range of questions raised by volcanic phenomena in such varied fields as earth sciences, climatology, biodiversity, oceanography, geography, agronomics, and archaeology. The cultural part of the show delves into mythology, religion, philosophy, folk and artistic traditions, cooking, and ways of life.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Etna: The Mountain Mountain
• E2Bromo - The Sacred Volcano of Java
• E3Tanzania - A Volcano on Maasai Territory
• E4Westman Islands - The Volcanic Guardians of Iceland
• E5Unzen - Man Versus Giant
• E6Hawaii - The Lava of Kilauea
• E7Kawah Ijen: The Hell of Sulfur
• E8Auvergne: The Mysteries of Its Sleeping Giants
• E9Ecuador - Beneath the Cotopaxi Glacier
• E10Naples: A Volcano Can Hide Another
• E11Aeolian Islands - From Hell to Paradise
• E13Reunion Island: in the Heart of the Volcanoe