Kauri dieback
What is kauri dieback?
Kauri dieback from a newly identified disease, Phytophthora taxon Agathis (PTA), is a serious threat to kauri in the upper North Island.
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, the Department of Conservation, Auckland Regional Council, Northland Regional Council, Environment Waikato and Environment Bay of Plenty are working together to identify and manage the risks to kauri.
Kauri trunk
Symptoms of the disease include yellowing leaves, dead branches, lesions that bleed resin over the lower two metres of the trunk, and eventually the death of the tree.
The disease is capable of killing trees of all ages, and there is as yet no known treatment.
It is thought PTA spreads mainly through soil and soil water movement.
How you can help
We need your help to protect kauri. Visitors to kauri forest areas are asked to:
- Keep to the defined tracks
- Clean footwear and any equipment in contact with soil before and after leaving kauri forest areas
- Stay away from kauri tree roots
For more information, visit www.kauridieback.co.nz or call 0800 NZ KAURI (695 2874).