Public meeting for kauri dieback biosecurity

The serious threat of kauri dieback to native kauri forests in the Waikato will be the focus of a public meeting on Thursday 30 April in Hamilton.

The presence of kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis or PTA) has not been confirmed in the Waikato, however kauri trees in reserves and on private property may all be at risk to the soil based pathogen. PTA only affects kauri and it can kill trees of all ages. PTA is a microscopic fungus-like plant pathogen.

Six agencies are working together as one Joint Agency Response Team to identify and manage the risks to kauri throughout the upper North Island. The Joint Agency Response Team includes MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ), the Department of Conservation (DOC) and four regional councils – Environment Waikato, Auckland Regional Council, Northland Regional Council and Environment Bay of Plenty.

Kauri Dieback Joint Agency Response spokesman David Yard says PTA is believed to be spread mainly through soil and soil water movement. “We strongly suspect it can be transferred by people, tracked from place to place on shoes, equipment and tyres”.

Representatives from MAFBNZ, DOC and Environment Waikato will update the community on work to date by the response team and discuss local concerns and issues regarding PTA.

Interested community members are invited to attend a public meeting at 6pm on Thursday 30 April at the St Johns Methodist Church Hall (20 Wellington Street, Hamilton East).

ENDS

For further information:
More information is available at www.kauridieback.co.nz  or by phone on 0800 NZ KAURI (69 52874). Members of the public can report diseased trees to this number.