How you can help save Coromandel Kauri from dieback disease

What is kauri dieback disease?

Kauri is one of Aotearoa's unique taonga which is threatened with extinction by kauri dieback disease. But kauri will be saved – by people like you.

Kauri dieback disease kills kauri of all sizes and of any age – from seedlings to giants that pre-date human settlement. In its inactive state, the pathogen can live for many years without a kauri anywhere nearby. It can also survive for many years above ground, and it can be spread by just a pinhead of soil. There is no cure, and no evidence that kauri has any natural resistance to this disease.

Infected trees may not show symptoms so – never assume anywhere is free of kauri dieback. If you’re in native bush in the upper North Island, it’s likely you’ll be near kauri.

How to help prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback Disease

It’s vital that all footwear and other walking or tramping gear is cleaned and disinfected before going near kauri, and again when leaving an area where kauri grow.

You should always:

• Use a wash station as instructed is available
• Clean your gear
• Remove soil before and after forest visits - clean your shoes, tyres and equipment
• Stay on the track and off kauri roots.

Spread the word on how to stop kauri dieback

The Department of Conservation has recently created a video (below) to show how you can help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease by using their new cleaning stations. You may see these cleaning stations in several tracks across the Coromandel region, please use them!

For more information on protecting Kauri head to kauriprotection.co.nz.

About Kauri 2000 Coromandel

The Kauri 2000 Trust have planted over 54,000 kauri seedlings over 36 sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. Working with the Department of Conservation, LTNZ, TCDC, Hauraki District Council and others, sites are identified across the peninsula for planting.The Kauri 2000 Trust buys the seedlings funded from donations then volunteers carefully plant the trees creating the forests of tomorrow.

If you would like to make a donation or help with plantings, you can find out more by visiting the Kauri 2000 Trust page on community page linked below. 

Article Content Contributor

Rose Morcom - Coordinator Kauri 2000 Trust