No sign of kauri dieback disease detected at Tāne Mahuta
Thursday, 22 November 2018
New test results show there is no sign of kauri dieback disease close to Tāne Mahuta, however two sites nearby have tested positive.
On Thursday, Te Roroa, kaitiaki over Waipoua Forest, and the Department of Conservation confirmed new test results indicated the area in the immediate vicinity to Tāne Mahuta is clear of the pathogen that causes kauri dieback disease.
However, two sites located approximately 60m and 90m away from Tane Mahuta tested positive. One of these sites is near the site that tested positive in June.
Science and research manager for Te Roroa, Taoho Patuawa, says this information will allow the Te Roroa Mana Whenua Board and DOC to make an informed decision on the future of the Tāne Mahuta walkway.
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He says it also validates the need for further protection measures to continue within the forest.
'I am pleased no sign of the disease has been detected any closer to the rangatira (chief) kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta, but the risk still remains,' Patuawa says.
The soil sampling was conducted by scientists at Plant and Food Research and Te Roroa staff in early October.
In total, 104 samples were taken from a 200m by 200m grid. This included a ring of seven samples taken approximately 2m from the base of the trunk of Tāne Mahuta.
The two sites that tested positive are not publicly accessible.
'After discovering kauri dieback near Tāne Mahuta earlier this year, we avoided a knee-jerk response and took a carefully planned approach, using available science to detect the spread of the pathogen in the immediate area surrounding Tāne Mahuta,' Patuawa says.
'We acknowledge the support of DOC and Biosecurity New Zealand who have been working with us to protect one our most significant and symbolic taonga tuku iho (enduring treasures).'
He says it is vital all visitors to Waipoua stay on the track and clean their footwear when they visit and leave the forest.
The soil sampling was undertaken as part of the Te Roroa initiated Tāne Mahuta Response Plan, in partnership with DOC and Biosecurity NZ.
DOC director of the Northern North Island, Sue Reed-Thomas says more work will be done to ensure the risk of the disease is managed.
A five-year pig control programme to move pigs out of core areas of Waipoua Forest will get underway shortly.
'The Tāne Mahuta site has long been one of the most protected areas in the country from kauri dieback, with boardwalks, cleaning stations and members of Te Roroa as ambassadors in place,' Reed-Thomas says.
'However, to help keep Tāne and our kauri standing, it's important for everyone to stick to the boardwalks and clean their footwear thoroughly.'