In response to the confirmation of kauri dieback at a single site in the Coromandel Peninsula in March this year, the Kauri Dieback Management Programme has conducted further rounds of aerial surveillance and soil sampling and stepped up its community engagement and education in the area.
Kauri dieback is caused by a microscopic fungus-like organism called Phytophthora"taxon Agathis" (PTA) which spreads through soil movement, for example on footwear and equipment such as machinery and mountain bikes.
Kauri dieback was formally identified in New Zealand in 2008 and has since been found in Auckland, Northland, Great Barrier Island and in the Whangapoua Forest/Hukarahi Conservation Area in Coromandel, which was closed to the public on 25 March as a precaution.
Since 2009, the Ministry for Primary Industries and Department of Conservation have partnered with Tāngata whenua, Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to slow the spread of kauri dieback and identify better ways to detect, manage and control the disease.
"Several rounds of aerial surveillance have now been completed across the Coromandel Peninsula to look for any notable stands of kauri which may look sick or dead," says Kauri Dieback Programme relationship manager Ian Mitchell.
"Any suspect stands are followed up with soil sampling, which has taken place in the Whangapoua Forest/Hukarahi Conservation Area; at the northern end of the Whangapoua Forest; and at various sites across the Peninsula. We expect to be able to report on lab results by the end of May.
"We are also updating kauri dieback signage and increasing the number of cleaning stations at key sites on the Peninsula. Permanent cleaning stations are being installed at Waiumu kauri grove, the Pinnacles track, Wainora/Cookson's kauri walk, Whenuakite, and Waiau kauri grove on the 309 Road."
Ian says everyone is being reminded to do their bit to prevent the spread of kauri dieback by making sure they clean footwear, vehicle tyres and machinery when moving to or from any kauri forests.
"The support of our partners and the community is vital for managing the spread of kauri dieback.
"The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum is being established with the support of government agencies to bring together community groups and industry with an interest in slowing the spread of kauri dieback on the Peninsula.
"Our engagement with Tāngata whenua is crucial. All Tāngata whenua groups across Coromandel and Hauraki are being contacted and invited to be engaged in the response. Relationships are being formed with those groups who have indicated interests in or near the infected site.
"Kauri is a taonga and incredibly important to New Zealanders and all the programme partners are fully committed to managing the spread of this disease," says Ian.