News

Thanks to everyone who attended our Kauri Dieback day yesterday, especially to Nick and Lee from the Kauri Dieback Management team, to property owner Colin, and QEII Trust’s Lynette. We learnt much and enjoyed each other’s company in the beautiful sunshine, viewing the healthy Hereford cattle herd, and listening to birdsong amongst the trees. So sad, though, to view the many affected Kauri in the otherwise healthy, fenced off, native bush on the farm. Although this dreaded disease does not get much media exposure these days, be aware it is a rampant killer of our most iconic trees (of all ages) and needs all the attention we can give it if we wish Kiwis to see Kauri in decades to come. Big ups to Nick and Lee who are working so tirelessly to try and find a prevention / cure. The disease spreads by soil movement, and can be detected by globs of gum at the base of the trunks, often developing into collars of gum encircling the lower trunk, yellowing leaves, thinning canopy, dead branches, and sudden death. The most important preventative measures each of us can take (and please do) is to ensure shoes, tyres and equipment are free of dirt before and after visiting Kauri, and keeping yourself and your dog to defined park tracks at all times. If you think you have found an infected tree, contact 0800 NZ KAURI for advice. We have some information packs at our Resource Centre at Matakawau – please call in and collect one if you have Kauri on your property that you want to keep healthy and growing for future generations.