A team of six ambassadors are spreading the word about kauri dieback in the Waitākere Ranges this summer.
They will be stationed at high-use track entrances or exits, including the Cascades, Glen Esk, Fairy Falls, Kakamatua, Waitākere Dam and Karamatura.
Raising awareness about kauri dieback
The ambassadors will be raising awareness about the disease and how people can help stop it spreading by using the cleaning stations at the park.
“With the recent survey showing nearly 20 per cent of surveyed areas having infected kauri, we had to step up our efforts,” says Greg Presland, Chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board.
Remember to use cleaning stations
“We also know that not enough people are using our cleaning stations, and doing so is the best way to stop the disease spreading.
"Having the ambassadors talking directly to park visitors is an excellent way to increase both awareness and cleaning compliance.”
Work in other areas
A further ambassador is working at areas with high visitor presence on Waiheke Island including the Matiatia ferry terminal.
The disease has not been detected on the island, and keeping it that way long-term is the focus of the awareness and education programme.
The Hunua Ranges is also in the sights of the programme where it is intended to have ambassadors on the ground in the next couple of weeks.
