Kauri dieback disease identified in Northland's Puketi Forest

Thursday, 12 March 2020

Northland iwi are investigating how whalebone could treat kauri dieback disease.

Kauri dieback disease had been discovered in Puketi Forest, Bay of Islands.

The incurable disease, known to kill kauri of all ages, was found in a remote location following aerial surveillance and sampling, the Department of Conservation confirmed.

Kauri dieback is caused by fungus-like organism Phytophthora agathidicida, which spreads microscopic spores through soil that attach themselves onto kauri roots and leach nutrients from the trees so they starve to death.

Those visiting forests with kauri trees should use the DOC hygiene stations to clear their shoes to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback.

Eight walking tracks were closed in the forest in 2019 to protect the trees from kauri dieback, however, it appears the tree may have been infected a while ago, DOC said.

**READ MORE:

Kauri dieback disease has spread rapidly and prompted many track closures throughout New Zealand's forests (file photo).

* Bay of Islands walking tracks to close amid kauri dieback fears

* Lord of the forest: New Zealand's most sacred tree is under threat

* Forest and Bird says more needs to be done for Northland kauri**

Ranger Dan O'Halloran said he was disappointed the forest had been infected as they had been working hard to protect it.

'The infected tree is in a remote location not near tracks or trap lines or other areas where people are likely to go,' he said.

'We are beginning additional surveillance and sampling work in the immediate vicinity and also on tracks and trap lines in the surrounding area.'

Strict hygiene protocols were being adhered to in attempt to limit the risk of further spread.

'The public is asked to help to prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease by cleaning footwear and gear of all dirt before and after visiting any kauri forest. Use the hygiene stations provided and stay on the tracks.'

Those visiting kauri forests should ensure footwear and gear is clean of soil, utilise hygiene stations and stick to walking paths, he said.

Humans are the main culprit for spreading dieback with movement of contaminated soil spreading the disease through the ranges.

There is no known cure for dieback although there have been mixed results from injecting phosphite into infected trees.

The disease has affected most of the 144 tracks in Auckland's Waitākere Ranges, some of which have been closed since 2018.

It has also been identified on Great Barrier Island, where the disease was first discovered in the early 1970s, the Kauri Coast and parts of the Coromandel.

On the North Shore, it was found prominently within the Albany Scenic Reserve and Okura Bush.