PRESS RELEASE: THE TREE COUNCIL

For immediate release - Thursday 19 December 2013

Protect our Kauri these holidays

The Auckland Tree Council is calling on everyone to do their bit to protect our iconic kauri forests this Christmas.

Kauri dieback is an unprecedented threat to this unique forest ecosystem, it is killing trees in the Waitakere Ranges, Northland and on Great Barrier Island. The microscopic spores are spread through the movement of soil and can hitch a ride on our shoes, boots, tramping gear, bike and car tyres in fact anything that comes into contact with the soil – including dog paws.

At the moment kauri dieback has not been detected in the Coromandel nor in the Hunua’s, but the influx of Christmas and New Year holidaymakers increases the risk for those areas.

If you are planning on visiting kauri forests anywhere in the North Island make sure you follow the hygiene protocols – clean all your gear before and after you enjoy the bush.

• Scrub your gear with hot soapy water – remove all soil
• Spray with household disinfectant – kill remaining spores
• Use disinfectant stations where these are provided
• Stay on the track and off kauri roots

This Christmas take your presents and good wishes with you, but leave kauri dieback disease behind.

ENDS

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