Tongariro Crossing Conditions?

Kia ora!

I'm visiting from Canada, hoping to do the Alpine Crossing on Oct 5. I'm looking for conditions updates as I know we're still in winter (more or less).

Has anyone been up recently, and can share the latest on the ground conditions?

Safety info:

I am an experienced hiker with day hikes almost triple the distance and elevation of the crossing under my belt. I have formal avalanche and first aid training. I have first aid, trekking poles, micro spikes, a PLB, and warm and waterproof layers a plenty I will pack with me.

I have a moderate amount of winter travel experience but most of my time is 3 season. I do not have an ice axe or self arrest experience.

I will also be phoning the visitors center a day or two before, plus reviewing Copernicus satellite imagery in the coming days. And, of course, watching the forecast closely and I'm willing to cancel if conditions are not right.

Hopefully that's enough info to demonstrate I'm not looking to be lazy, or a rescue case! Just curious of anyone's recent, first hand experience on the trek.

Thanks all!