A kauri tree located behind Mahurangi College in Warkworth has been confirmed to have Kauri dieback disease.
Auckland Council Kauri Dieback Manager, Lisa Tolich says the tree, and other nearby trees will be fenced off to ensure people stay away from the area.
“With many students walking through this area, the risk for further spread is high. We are in the process of putting fencing around the trees to protect the tress and stop people spreading the disease to other areas,” Ms Tolich says.
“We have also taken soil samples from two reserves immediately adjacent to the infected tree; Falls Road Esplanade Reserve and View Road Bush Reserve, to determine if the disease has spread beyond the one tree. Fortunately, the kauri in the reserves are in isolation and are not located on any tracks.
“We are working closely with Mahurangi College on a programme for some of their students to carry out some protection work in View Road Bush Reserve and to learn more about kauri dieback and what we can all do as individuals to stop its spread.”
In the Rodney Local Board area there are 44 local parks or reserves that contain kauri ecosystems. The local board will today be considering the next steps in protection measures for kauri in the area.
Rodney Local Board Chair Beth Houlbrooke says that while it is disappointing to have the tree confirmed with the disease, kauri protection is a priority for the area.
“As a local board, we continue to work hard alongside the community and council on proactive measures to protect our precious kauri,” says Ms Houlbrooke.
“It’s fantastic to see the next generation getting involved and educated about this deadly disease and what we can all do to help.”
To stop the spread of kauri dieback visitors to kauri forest should clean their footwear and equipment before entering or leaving the forest and keep to open tracks.
Find out more at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/protectkauri
