The oldest kauri tree in New Zealand, Tane Mahuta which stands near northland’s Hokianga Harbour, is at risk of dying.

Too many tourists are trampling over the aged tree’s roots. Kauri roots are very shallow and sensitive to damage. And the Conservation Department says Waipoua Forest’s Tane Mahuta has been damaged by people clambering around its trunk. Tree-huggers are being asked to keep back.

Tane Mahuta is showing “die back” with some branches dying. Conservation officers are calling for people to stand only of viewing platforms provided.

Conservation staff and local iwi have replaced truckloads of leaf litter trampled by tourists, and a barbed wire fence will be built to keep the public away from the tree’s roots.

© Scoop Media