December 2016

Be a kauri champion this summer

The Coromandel Kauri Dieback Forum is calling on everyone visiting Peninsula forests this summer to help prevent kauri dieback disease spreading amongst Coromandel Peninsula kauri by observing some simple hygiene precautions.

Kauri dieback disease is a major threat to kauri, killing trees of all ages and sizes by destroying their feeding roots. There is no cure. Kauri dieback travels naturally through soil and groundwater but has spread much more rapidly through New Zealand kauri forests because people’s poor hygiene practices have transported infected dirt from one area to another. It is highly likely that’s how kauri dieback came to the Coromandel.

“The only way to save our kauri forests now is to restrict the disease to known infected locations and stop the spread into healthy areas,” says Forum trustee Vivienne McLean. “Fortunately, only a limited number of sites have been found on the Peninsula so far. If we all apply simple hygiene procedures every time we go into the bush, we should be able to slow down the spread of the disease.”

There are several infected locations on the Coromandel Peninsula, in particular around the Whangapoua area and the forest behind New Chums Beach. There may be other infected sites not yet identified so it is very important to follow these basic hygiene practices to avoid unwittingly picking up the disease and carrying it to kauri that are free of infection:

• Clean all dirt off your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after every visit to a kauri forest.

• Stay on tracks at all times and off kauri roots. Walking on and disturbing soil around the roots can spread the disease and also damages fine feeder roots.

• Always keep dogs on a leash as they can spread soil too. Hunting or moving between forests, clean their paws as well as your own gear.

“On the Coromandel only major tracks have cleaning stations and sometimes spray bottles are empty, so always clean your gear before leaving home,” says Vivienne.

New Chum Beach/Wainuiototo is a very popular place to visit but the Whangapoua catchment is a hot spot for the pathogen that causes kauri dieback so it’s important not to take short cuts or trespass through private property. When walking to New Chum Beach stick to the public track - do not wander. Once you reach the beach, stay on the sand. Resist the temptation to explore or camp behind the beach as there is kauri dieback in this area.

“If you want to look at kauri, go to places where there are boardwalks so you can get up close without damaging the tree’s roots,” says Vivienne. “Great places to see mature kauri are the 309 Kauri Grove, the Long Bay kauri walk, the Square Kauri and the Twin Kauri.

And remember to tell your visitors about kauri dieback and how they can help protect our kauri.”

Three top tips for cleaning footwear

• Remove the soil first, paying special attention to the treads. Dispose of soil in your rubbish bag or where people won’t walk.

• Scrub off every trace of soil with hot soapy water – soles and uppers. This is the most important step. Repeat until all the soil is removed. Pour dirty water down the drain or into your septic tank.

• Rinse clean, and spray with Sterigene solution, or a diluted solution of household disinfectant, as an added precaution.

To learn more visit www.kauridieback.co.nz.

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