Abstract
Fine resolution pollen analysis of a core from Erua Swamp shows that prior to the Taupo eruption of c. 1718 B.P., the site bore a dryland vegetation type on river flats. Patchy Nothofagusl Phyllocladus forest on the flats was destroyed by the eruption and replaced by Gleichenia‐restionad swamp vegetation with abundant Halocarpus. Regional forest during the period from after the eruption to c. 650–560 B.P. was mixed podocarp, dominated by Dacrydium cupressinum and Prumnopitys taxifolia. A period of widespread and sustained anthropogenic destruction by fire of forest commenced c. 650–560 B.P.