It's Chris Warner's 50th birthday party, marking the return of past Shortland Street characters like Nick Harrison (Karl Burnett) and Waverley (Claire Chitham). But the event is overshadowed — literally — by Mount Ferndale blowing her top. Fear and confusion reign in this excerpt from the soap's 25th year cliffhanger special, as staff head to the hospital through ash clouds and debris. Expectant mum Lucy (Grace Palmer) is stuck in traffic as contractions intensify, and Leroy Raumati (Lionel Wellington) comes a cropper after begging flatmates Blue (Tash Keddy) and Ashley (Ruby Lyon) for shelter. 

Warning: This excerpt contains scenes that may be disturbing to some viewers.