One of my friend's work mate was at Taupo over the weekend when the Lahar occurred. He called back on the telephone to his boss on Monday..."Hey boss, I cannot come to work due to the Lahar".

I think it is another cool way to take off from work and yet not anger the boss! Only in New Zealand!!

In Wellington...maybe it goes like this.."Hey boss, I cannot come to work because of the wind...train cancelled" :D