Millions set aside to fight kauri killer

Nearly $5 million will be poured into a five-year programme to help save the native kauri.

The tree is being killed off by kauri dieback, or phytophthora taxon agathis – a disease attacking the species in the Waitakere Ranges and upper North Island.

The government cash injection will go towards research to improve detection and control techniques.

It will also help fund further education and public awareness campaigns.

Dr Nick Waipara is among Auckland Regional Council staff already working to combat the disease.

"It’s insidiously creeping through our forests and killing everything in its wake," he says.

"And we don’t want it killing these amazing trees."

Regional councillor Sandra Coney says the extra cash will help the six government organisations working to save the kauri.

"We have valued the extra strength and knowledge that comes from being part of a joint agency response and look forward to working with other agencies and iwi on the management of this disease."

Kauri dieback is believed to be a soil-borne pathogen and affected trees show yellowing leaves, canopy thinning, dead branches and lesions that bleed gum across the lower part of the trunk.

Call 0800-69-52874 or go to www.kauridieback.co.nz for more information or to report affected trees.

- © Fairfax NZ News