Forum stepping up efforts to eradicate kauri dieback

A management group was established last night to intensify efforts to manage kauri dieback on the Coromandel.

The management group has been tasked with getting funding, employing a coordinator, and formalising a kauri dieback forum which will include interested parties across the Coromandel.

Last night's meeting in Thames included agencies responsible and those who expressed interest in being involved after a series of free public workshops held around the Coromandel in May 2013. The workshops were run by Coromandel Peninsula conservation group Kauri 2000 and supported by TCDC, Tangata Whenua Roopu, WRC, DoC, the Kauri Dieback Programme and Waikato Biodiversity Forum.

Kauri Dieback Programme Relationship Manager Ian Mitchell says the best attitude we can have personally is one of "I am infected and the next kauri tree is not. And act accordingly."

Aerial surveillance and soil sampling is being undertaken at key sites across the Coromandel and results will form part of a kauri dieback management plan for the peninsula requested by The Minister for Conservation.

What we need to do
Before and after you visit any forest, follow the three S rule:
• Scrub your gear
• Spray with disinfectant
• Stay on the track and off Kauri roots

It's important you clean any shoes, walking poles, tyres, machinery, equipment - or anything that comes in contact with soil - before and after you enter any of our forests.

About the Coromandel dieback forum
The Coromandel dieback forum is a community-driven, independent group, open to everyone who wants to play a part in protecting our icon tree species.

Thames-Coromandel District Council acts in the capacity of one of the technical advisors.

Kauri 2000 is acting as the lead organisation until the forum is established as a trust or incorporated society in its own right.

You can contact Kauri 2000 at www.kauri2000.co.nz

For information about Kauri Dieback in the Coromandel see our website page here.

ENDS

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