Kauri dieback

What is kauri dieback?

Kauri dieback is a plant disease caused by the microscopic soil borne pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida(Pa). Spores from the pathogen infect kauri roots and damage the tissues preventing the uptake of water and nutrients causing tree death. It can kill kauri of any age and location.

Infected trees show a range of symptoms including yellowing or browning of foliage, canopy thinning, branch dieback and base bleeding caused by lesions around the trunk of the tree. These symptoms increase as the tree progresses towards death.

Base bleeding

Canopy decline

Tree death

How is it spread?

The pathogen which causes disease lives in the soil. There is no airborne phase. The pathogen is spread by movement of soil and/or plant material in the form of dirt adhering to surfaces Vectors for soil movement include humans and their activities, vehicles and animals.

Preventing the movement of soil and plant material by any means is fundamental to the management of kauri dieback. Hygiene around footwear, equipment and vehicles is vital. Removal of all soil is the key to success.

What is the role of NRC in Kauri dieback?

Our role is to work with private landowners and the community in Northland to assist with identifying and managing kauri dieback. We also have a role to play in raising awareness and providing education on kauri dieback across the entire region.

NRC Kauri Dieback staff are helping Northlanders protect Kauri by:

Soil sampling of Kauri across private lands in Northland
Developing management plans for all sites sampled
Increase awareness of landowners, community groups, forest users and the public through events, engagement, school visits and publicity campaigns
Provide hygiene information and equipment to those that need it. This includes provision of hygiene stations
When possible, fund fencing for private landowners to fence forest blocks in order to protect Kauri on their land.

Kauri Dieback sample locations and results map

Kauri Dieback Scrub Check Spray

How can I help to reduce the spread of kauri dieback?

Arrive clean and leave clean in and out of the forest and around Kauri, follow the simple instructions at hygiene stations, keep to the track, always consider kauri in all off-track activities and work or operations involving vehicles and machinery.

For more information on what can be done to help reduce the spread of dieback, use the "How to guides" for kauri dieback hygiene and "Activity hygiene planners" below.

Hygiene
Hygiene Best Practice Guideline	Kauri dieback hygiene - best practice hygiene guideline (PDF, 1.1MB)
Operating vehicles and heavy machinery	Vehicles & heavy machinery hygiene - best practice guideline at: kauriprotection.co.nz
Quick Read
Hunters	Kauri dieback hygiene - when hunting (PDF, 381KB)
Trappers	Kauri dieback hygiene - when trapping (PDF, 504KB)
Landowners	Kauri dieback hygiene - when you're a landowner (PDF, 462KB)
Visitors	Kauri dieback hygiene - when visiting Northland (PDF, 373KB)
Guides
Kauri Care Guide	Kauri Care Guide at: kauriprotection.co.nz
Rural Landowner’s Guide	Protecting kauri - A rural landowner's guide at: kauriprotection.co.nz
Planning
Activity hygiene planner	Plan your activities - in and around Kauri forests (.docx, 3.3MB)
Vehicle and machinery - Low risk hygiene planner	Guidelines to plan for vehicle and machinery hygiene - Low risk (.docx, 3.2MB)
Vehicle and machinery - Moderate risk	Guidelines to plan for vehicle and machinery hygiene - Moderate risk (.docx, 3.3MB)
Vehicle and machinery - High risk	Guidelines to plan for vehicle and machinery hygiene - High risk (.docx, 4.2MB)