Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Kauri dieback programme moves into long term management
From Biosecurity 96, February 2010.
The Government is injecting $4.7 million into a programme to help save kauri trees threatened by the new-to-science disease known as kauri dieback (Phytophthora taxon Agathis).
The five-year programme aims to contain the soil-borne disease, which is attacking kauri trees in the upper North Island and on Great Barrier Island.
“This disease is a serious biosecurity threat to kauri, a species that we as New Zealanders are duty-bound to protect,” says Joint Management spokesperson John Sanson.
“The Government’s $4.7 million pledge brings total funding for the future management of kauri dieback to $9.8 million, including contributions from the regional councils. This demonstrates the importance placed on the protection of this treasured species.
“New Zealand’s ancient kauri forests are a vital part of the ecosystem as well as being part of our heritage, and must be protected for future generations.”
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, the Department of Conservation and four regional councils – Auckland, Northland, Environment Bay of Plenty and Environment Waikato – have been working together since late 2008 to manage the threat of kauri dieback, and with M?ori, are committed to working collaboratively.
The five-year programme will cover research into the detection and spread of kauri dieback and methods to control it. A public awareness campaign to arrest its spread will also be developed.
For more information about kauri dieback and the work of each agency involved, visit www.kauridieback.co.nz
Lisa Gibbison, Senior Communications Adviser, lisa.gibbison@maf.govt.nz
NZFFA on facebook